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Coming Soon
Congregational
Pitch-in and Pool Party
August 20, 5:30 p.m.
Water Communion
September 4
9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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Sunday, August 21, 2016
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Houston, We Have a Problem
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Creative problem solving is a testimony to imagination and innovative thinking, generative techniques so needed in our world today.
Join us as we ground ourselves in a spirited exploration of creativity.
Jamie Kirkley will offer a Chalice Circles reflection as part of our service.
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Sunday, August 28, 2016
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Minds on Fire for Creativity and Freedom:
Our Transcendentalist Heritage
Reverend Barbara Carlson, Minister Emerita
The Transcendentalists brought new vision and creativity to our culture and faith in the 19th century. Are they relevant for 21st century Unitarian Universalists?
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Sunday, September 4, 2016
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Through Storms and Sunny Weather
Intergenerational Water Communion
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Reverend Scott McNeill
All ages are invited to this celebration of our intergenerational community through drama, innovative music, and our water communion ritual. Please bring water representing the essence of your summer's experience. As part of our service, we will use the quiet ritual introduced last year to combine our offerings and form the generous reservoir of all of our stories and experiences that sustain this community through all life's seasons. Our Children's Choir, directed by Jill Courtney, will perform.
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Celebrating Interfaith World Peace and Harmony
Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding
--Albert Einstein
On Sunday afternoon, August 14, I was fortunate to be an invited participant in an Interfaith Service for World Peace and Harmony held at the Kumbum Chamtse Ling Temple at the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center.
The celebration included Tibetan Buddhist Music, a welcome from Arjia Rinpoche, the Director of the Cultural Center, and chants for peace by Tibetan monks.
During this inspiring service, representatives from many Bloomington faith communities, including Baha'i, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and Unitarian Universalist, all spoke and offered prayers for peace. I offered a movement prayer that I learned from my mentor, Angeles Arrien.
Here is a responsive reading that was included in the service:
If someone with courage and vision can rise to lead in nonviolent action, the winter of despair can, in the twinkling of an eye, be turned into the summer of hope.
IT IS POSSIBLE TO LIVE IN PEACE.
Nonviolence is not a garment to put on and take off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being.
IT IS POSSIBLE TO LIVE IN PEACE.
If a single person achieves the highest kind of love it will be sufficient to neutralize the hate of millions.
IT IS POSSIBLE TO LIVE IN PEACE.
The future depends on what we do in the present.
IT IS POSSIBLE TO LIVE IN PEACE.
As long as space endures, As long as sentient beings remain,
Until then, may I, too, remain, And dispel the miseries of the world. --His Holiness the Dalai Lama
It is always an honor and a privilege for me to represent Unitarian Universalism at interfaith events like this, which are designed to promote peace and healing in our hurting world. You will learn a wee bit more about this gathering on Sunday, August 21.
See you at the Congregational Pitch-in and Pool Party on Saturday, August 20 at 5:30 p.m.! (See related article below.)
Peace out, Love in,
MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Senior Minister
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On Pastoral Care
I feel so lucky to be here with you all. One of the privileges of ministry is the opportunity to connect with people and learn more about their experiences and journeys. And, the fall is a good time to remind folks of the pastoral care resources available.
Many of you already know about the great care that our staff and ministers offer, whether it's a quick check-in on a Sunday, or a follow-up call or visit throughout the week. The Caring Committee has a number of folks who graciously help the congregation, in countless ways. If you're struggling with something (big or small), or even if the struggle is behind you - it can be good to sit and process some of that together. And, especially if you're dealing with a crisis (a health diagnosis, for example), it can be helpful to have someone from the congregation supporting you.
If you want to set up a time to meet (or just touch base), you can always email me at [email protected]. You can reach me at my cell phone number (703-577-0919, call/text), particularly if time is of the essence. And if you're having a late night emergency - sudden trip to the ER or unfortunate news from a family member, etc. - calling the following emergency number will reach me overnight or anytime I might have my phone turned off (812-727-0919). Whether you're celebrating a joy or struggling with a sorrow, it will be good to get to know you, as we build our community together.
Reverend Scott McNeill
Associate Minister
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Our thoughts of sympathy are with Laura Trout whose husband Grafton died unexpectedly on July 30. Laura and Grafton became members of our congregation before 1960. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a future date. Cards are welcome.
Our thoughts are with Judi Epp. Her wife Bev Camden is currently hospitalized due to a recent stroke. Cards are welcome, but no visitors at this time.
And congratulations to Melinda Swenson's parents, who recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Melinda and her spouse Carol McCord were able to be part of the celebrations last week in New York. Only one-tenth of 1 per cent of married couples ever celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary!
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Update from the UU Board of Directors
We recently learned the exciting news that Reverend Macklin received a 2016 Westwood Grant from the UUA. This grant recognizes her efforts in the broader community spreading the UU faith. Congratulations, Mary Ann!
We accepted Stuart Yoak's resignation from the Special Purposes Fund Committee this last week and thank him for his service. The Board has asked the Leadership Cultivation Committee for help in filling the vacancy.
We often say we do not need to think alike to love alike. Different thinking can bring disagreement and sometimes conflict. While this is normal, with our congregation's size and different life experiences, it's important to have a shared understanding of how we interact in disagreement. We thank Angela Lexmond, Dan Wiseman, and Pat Brantlinger, who at the request of the Board spent several months investigating how other churches handle disagreements. The Board will be considering their observations and recommendations with the congregation over the coming months.
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Top 5 Reasons to Register Your Children & Youth for Religious Education
5. We use our 2016-17 registration list to send out weekly emails about what
happens in class, invitations to light the chalice, and special events in
Religious Education
4. Helps us know of special dietary needs, allergies or other important info
3. Your child will have a name tag in the classroom (making both kids and
teachers happy)
2. We will stop sticking "Register Me" stickers on your child
1. Every child registered by Sunday, September 4th will be entered into a
drawing for a chance to win one of three family fun prizes!
How Can I Register My Child?
In person on Sunday morning during coffee hour at the registration table in Fellowship Hall OR at the Congregational Picnic at Bryan Park's Henderson Shelter on Saturday, August 20! Did you know you could register your child or youth online? Here's how: b. If you don't have a username and password already, click "Retrieve User ID or password: Click Here" and the system will send you your info in an email within 5 minutes. c. Enter your user ID and password at the login screen (see above URL), and click Login button
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Congregational
Pitch-in Picnic and Pool Party is On!
Saturday, August 20th
1. We will host a pitch-in picnic at Henderson Shelter from 5:30-6:30 pm. Please bring food 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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UU Children's Choir begins this Sunday, August 21!
New and returning singers, grades K-6, are always welcome! Contact: Children's Choir Director Jill Courtney, [email protected]
Sun. Aug 21: Rehearse, 10:30-11:00, Rm 110
Sun. Aug 28: Rehearse, 10:30-11:00, Rm 110
Sun. Sept 4: Sing at Water Communion Multigenerational Services
9:45am Rehearse in Room 110, sing end of 1st service and start of 2nd, done approx 11:30.
Sun. Sept 11: Rehearse 10:30-11:00, Rm 110 Sun. Sept 18: Rehearse 10:30-11:00, Rm 110
Wed. Sept 21: Sing for Fall Equinox Service, 6:15pm (Meet at 5:55pm in Meeting Room)
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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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 Chalice Circles: Positive Questions to Think About In 2015-16 I attended my third Chalice Circle and am anticipating my fourth this fall. Each one has been different, but all have provided spiritual support for my busy life. The added benefit has been getting to know well a small group of fellow UUs. Since I moved here in 2012 with a long Unitarian and UU history, but no friends or acquaintances in Bloomington, that was important. Since I have no car, the meeting at Meadowood last year was important, too. Since the group welcomed residents and non-residents and met during the day, it provided a wide circle of friendship. Each leader approached the subject matter covered in a different way but the end result has always been open, non-judgmental discussion, with positive questions to think about each month. --Carol Ver Wiebe |
Chalice Circles: An Excellent Way to Practice Mindfulness
I have been fortunate to have participated in four different Chalice Circle groups over the past four years. Each group was terrific. Obviously, I have perceived many benefits, which is why I will sign up again for a fifth year. The benefit I've enjoyed the most is the development of many friendships, some casual and some deep. It's very pleasant to attend a Sunday service and feel as if I belong; it's been my experience that group members always greet each other with a special warmth. Other benefits include shared group participation in two service projects per year, the occasional party or convivial dinner, and the opportunity to feel heard in the deep listening environment provided by the Chalice Circle format.
What happens in a Chalice Circle meeting? The facilitator generally chooses a topic such as nature, humility, or kindness. Each group member is given a piece of paper with readings related to the topic and questions for pondering. Participants then have the opportunity to take turns and share their thoughts. While a person is speaking, the group members are encouraged to practice deep listening, which essentially means focusing exclusively, as much as possible, on the speaker's words and point of view. This can provide an excellent way to practice mindfulness, present-moment-centeredness, and empathy. All too often we have incessant tapes and movies running in our minds, and the Chalice Circle offers a time and place in which to practice a deeper and more conscious way of being.
Come and be a part of this valuable experience! --Mary Yoke
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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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Directory Update Coming in September
Please be sure we have your correct address, phone and email information for our congregational directory. You can check your info online at our database by logging on from our webpage www.uubloomington.org or by checking the printed update notebooks available in the Commons from August 21 through September 11. If you would like us to take an updated photo, see Deeva or Monica in Room 204 on Sunday morning 10:45-11:15 a.m. or during weekday office hours, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, sometime between now and September 12.
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Women's Alliance Meeting Thursday, September 1
The Aug. meeting was all about "Planned Parenthood" with Kellie Kierce. She spoke to us about their lawsuit against the Indiana abortion law, the positive Texas court decision, and challenges to women's health in various states. Hosts were Katherine Hopkins and Jean Knowlton.
The September 1 Women's Alliance program will be "New Leaf - New Life" with Mary Goetze. This is the organization that receives 25% of our non-pledge offerings on Sunday mornings. Hosts will be Doris Wittenburg and Hayden Bangert.
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.
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UU Men's Group Meets August 23
The UU Men's Group will meet Tuesday, August 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Will Watt. Contact Harv Hegarty for info, [email protected].
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Please Welcome our Newest Members
Ann Connors and Orion Day became members of our congregation on Sunday, August 14.
Ann Connors grew up in Bloomington and received a History degree from the University of Illinois and a Master's in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona. She worked in finance in New York, Europe, West Africa and Chicago before becoming a full-time fundraiser for the Field Museum and Development Director at the Center for Economic Progress in Chicago. In late 2014 she moved to Bloomington while with a New York-based global wildlife conservation organization and last fall became Development Director at Sycamore Land Trust. Ann enjoys hiking, traveling and the arts.
 Orion Day moved to Bloomington in 2009 from near Vincennes, Indiana. He grew up in a small, rural, Methodist church that wasn't a good fit and wouldn't have thought he'd return to a church--until February 2016 when, in a time of need, he found a welcoming congregation at UUCB. He became the Young Adult and Campus Ministry Coordinator a few months after that and looks forward to working with the leaders of the church to revitalize programming for those aged 18-30. After several years of odd jobs, he's decided to just make a career of it with web design and development (to pay the bills) and campus ministry (to sustain the soul) being the primary activities. He enjoys music performances at IU; cooking; a dash of outdoorsiness like gardening, hiking, and camping; and his cat, Wilford.
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. We need a Fellowship Hour Host on the third Sunday of each month. Fellowship Hour Hosts wear a Fellowship Hour Host name tag and talk to visitors during coffee/fellowship hour. If you are interested in serving our church in this way, please contact Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator at [email protected] or call (812) 332-3695.
The Getting Involved Fair is Coming in September!
Looking for a church activity that speaks to your spirit, builds community, and helps you make a difference in the world? The Getting Involved Fair is a great way to learn about the wonderful activities of our church. On three Sundays, September 11, 18, and 25 in Fellowship Hall, our groups and committees will provide information to help you learn about their activities and connect with the groups that interest you. This fun event will take place after each service on September 11, 18 and 25. See you there! -- Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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 UU History for You Horace Greeley: Universalist, Editor, and Advocate of Human Rights Horace Greeley (1811-1872) grew up in New Hampshire and died in New York. His father was a farmer. Young Greeley had little formal education and learned by reading widely. He worked for a printer and then moved to New York City to start his own newspapers that he named The New Yorker and The Log Cabin. In 1836, he married a schoolteacher, Mary Young Cheney, and they had seven children, only three surviving to adult life. He founded the New York Tribune in 1841 and took on liberal causes. Margaret Fuller converted him to feminism. He also advocated abolition of slavery, abolition of the death penalty, worker safety legislation, living wages for full time work, and teaching girls how they can earn a living so they could achieve gender equality. He is best known for advocating young men to "go West" to establish farms and settle the open lands available. He campaigned for Lincoln and was a pacifist until the Civil War. He believed in human progress although the progress would be slow. Greeley was a Universalist in his religious outlook. His Tribune editorials brought him into national prominence and he ran against Grant for the Presidential nomination in 1872. He was humiliated by a crushing defeat because of Grant's popularity. --Elof Carlson, Designated Historian |
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Prologue UU Histories Book Available Online and in Our Library
Elof Carlson our Designated Historian has compiled around 100 of his UU History for You pieces written since 2012, and you can read this collection online! Click here. There is also a circulating copy in the Ralph & Annetta Fuchs Library. |
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. |
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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, August 7 9:15: 100 11:15: 143 total 243
Sunday, August 14 9:15: 92 11:15: 147 total 239
Non-Pledge Offering
August 7 - $495 August 14 - $601
Total to be donated to New Leaf-New Life - $275.90
Grocery Card Sales
(Bloomingfoods, Marsh, or Lucky's)
August 7 $950, income to UUCB $47.50 August 14 $375, income to UUCB $19.75
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Things you can do in the church database
1. Look up someone's contact info in the directory
2. Check your own Stewardship pledge payment records
3. Check your own family contact information for accuracy and make changes, including changing your username and password
4. See photos of everyone who has had their photo taken for the database since October 2012
5. Make your own up to date pdf directory, save to your computer, or print it out.
To get login information, do this: b. If you don't have a username and password already, click "Retrieve User ID or password: Click Here" and the system will send you your info in an email within 5 minutes. c. Enter your user ID and password at the login screen (see above URL), and click Login button The database requires you to change your password every 6 weeks. There will be an alert about this ahead of time when you log in.
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 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. 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.
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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 28, at 12:45 a.m. in Room 208. The topic is
"Support and requirements for Liberal Arts Education" led by Sandy Dolby.
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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 21, at 12:45 a.m. Info, contact John Crosby.
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Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration
Friday, August 19, 10:30 a.m.
There will be a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War on Friday, August 19, at 10:30 a.m. on the Courthouse Stage (outdoors). Iris Kiesling will present the welcome and opening remarks.
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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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Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
Auditions for Resilience: Indiana's Untold Story August 22 and 23 Auditions for Resilience: Indiana's Untold Story (co-authored by UU Gladys DeVane) will be held August 22 and 23, 6:00-9:00 p.m., at the Monroe County History Center, 202 E. 6th Street. This casting call is for men, women, boys, and girls of all ages and ethnicities. You may be asked to read for multiple roles. Prepared material is not required. Actors, singers, and dancers are needed. For more information please contact Danielle Bruce at [email protected].
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 Beacon Young Adult/Campus Ministry Orion Day, our Young Adult/Campus Ministry Coordinator, can be reached at [email protected] and will have office hours at the Indiana Memorial Union Room 577 soon. Stop by and say hello! |
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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 email: [email protected]
Reverend Scott McNeill, Our Associate Minister, can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 209 and is available by appointment on Tuesday-Friday afternoons. email: mcneill@uubloomington.org. He can also be reached on his mobile, 703-577-0919 and for after-hours pastoral emergencies, please call him at 812-727-0919.
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, our Minister of Religious Education
can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 207
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 Relentlessly Useful Administrative Information
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.
LEAKY SKYLIGHTS will be repaired soon. Problem diagnosed, materials ordered and received, and a technician has been assigned to the job. We expect repairs to take place shortly. For details, talk with Dick Stumpner.
LOST COFFEE THERMOSES and water bottles are placed on the coat rack at the Courtyard Entrance, and from time to time the ones that have accumulated are donated to charity. Please pick up your lost mugs and bottles!
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)
Church Office Will Be Closed on Labor Day, Monday, September 5.
--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, Tuesday, September 6.
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: 9/6 (a Tuesday), 9/19, 10/3, 10/17, 11/7, 11/21.
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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