The Prologue
Tuesday, September 6, 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

 

Autumn Equinox Celebration

September 21

6:15 p.m.

 

Quick Links
MAM's Musings
From Our Associate Minister
An Acclaimed Congregation
Our Folks...
Board Update
Bring a Friend
Children's Choir
Chalice Circles
Adult Religious Ed
Tornado Drill
Newest Members
UU History
Bazaar App
Defying the Nazis
Climate Change Listening
Racial Justice Events
Clothing Swap
Macaroni
Grounds Clean Up
Energy Competition
Young Adult/Campus Ministry
Contact a Minister
Sunday, September 11, 2016
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
     I Vow Not to Burn Out
     Reverend 
Mary Ann Macklin
          Seeking the Spirit.  Building Community.  Changing the World.  What do our promises to ourselves and one another mean in our post-9/11, 21st century congregations?  In today's political climate, what does it mean to care for each other along the way?  And how do we seek the spirit, build community and change the world...without burning out.   We will explore these questions during our worship services.  Our Getting Involved Fair will kick off this Sunday between services.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
A Promise is a Promise
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
       From the 12th century Sufi mystic and poet Mevlana Jalaladin Muhammad Rumi: "Come, come, whoever you are.  Wanderer, Worshipper, Lover of Leaving.  Ours is no caravan of despair.  Come, yet again, come...Though you have broken your vows a thousand times." 
       Is a promise a promise?  What does it mean to break a vow? How do we understand our promises and vows when dealing with end-of-life issues? 
       This worship service will explore these questions while introducing our new Vigil Volunteer program/training to serve those at risk of dying alone in local communities.  (See MAM's Musings in this issue for more information).   
       We will also hear from our International Outreach Task Force.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
6:15 p.m.
Autumn Equinox Celebration
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Reverend Scott McNeill
       All ages are invited to come celebrate this moment of balance in the life of our planet. We will share ritual, story, and reflection together.
Our Children's Choir, directed by Jill Courtney, will perform.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World through 
Right Relationships
Reverend Scott McNeill
       Tikkun Olam is a Jewish concept that means "world repair." There are many ways we can do that work, but it must start with ourselves and in our homes. Today's worship explores the importance of seeking justice with one another, in order to do the same for the world around us.  
MAM's Musings
 Please read this and share with others 
who do not always read their Prologue.
 
Sitting Vigil
 Vigil: from Latin vigilia "a watch, watchfulness"; general sense: "occasion of keeping awake for some purpose."
          Vigil is a time in which we enter a period of watchful attention, whether at night or at another time of day.  I have been working with our Board of Directors to extend our congregation's sense of vigil to ministering to those who are at risk of dying alone.  As a result, we are partnering with the Sacred Dying Foundation, which will offer us training and support so we can become a pilot congregation for such a ministry.  We are also partnering with local Long Term Care Facilities where we can be of service to those actively dying. Our first full day training will be on Saturday, October 8th, 2016. 
        Qualities of Vigil Volunteers include:
              *Compassion for those dying alone
              *Ability to sit quietly with unresponsive patients
              *An interest in the sacredness of the dying process
              *Have not experienced a significant death in the last year
              *Willingness to participate in trainings and meetings
              *Have participated in or are willing to participate in a death and dying class
                offered in our congregation.
         You will be hearing more about this ministry during our worship services.   There will be an application process (beginning September 12th) for our first round of training for a limited number of vigil volunteers.  This training will give special consideration to ensure sensitivity to cultural and spiritual uniqueness, family dynamics, and creating a sacred space for the dying.
          We currently have a Vigil Team helping to launch our congregation's Sitting Vigil program:  
Scott Hogsed, Kim Carballo, Lauren Bryant, Anne Haynes, and Chris Haynes.  
          We hope many of our members and friends will consider applying to be part of this ministry to our surrounding community.  
 
In peace, 
    MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin  
Covenant
       A few months ago (obviously printed with our September theme of Covenant in mind!), the NY Times published an op-ed, "How Covenants Make Us." Here is one excerpt, "In her new book "Commonwealth and Covenant," Marcia Pally of N.Y.U. and Fordham offers a clarifying concept. What we want, she suggests, is 'separability amid situatedness.' We want to go off and create and explore and experiment with new ways of thinking and living. But we also want to be situated - embedded in loving families and enveloping communities, thriving within a healthy cultural infrastructure that provides us with values and goals."
        This helps me understand how we navigate our individual needs and wants, alongside those of everyone else in a community. "Separability amid situatedness" can explain why we use a mostly fixed format for Chalice Circles (small groups where you explore deeper topics) and worship. Creating consistency allows people the freedom to think new thoughts, take the risk of trying something new, and to grow into who they are - knowing they're held safe by the community of which they are a part.
        Covenanting is a process for us to name the ways we will show up for one another, while taking care of ourselves. We all have expectations about what it means to be in relationships and in community; creating a covenant makes those expectations explicit, giving us the best foundation for building a community together.
 
In faith, Rev. Scott
     Reverend Scott McNeill
Associate Minister
 
PS - A YUUUGE note of gratitude for all of the folks who have offered kind words and helping hands as we welcome Lucas into our family, and as we settle into this community. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 
We Are Named an Acclaimed Congregation 
by Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light
       Earth Care, Bloomington's interfaith alliance for the environment, is pleased to announce that two of their member congregations, Trinity Episcopal Church and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, have been named Acclaimed Congregations by Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light (H-IPL).
       These two Bloomington congregations demonstrate that it's possible to make significant strides in just a few short years.
       Our congregation has already met the goal for 2030, having reduced our energy use by over 50% since 2010. Additionally, we have engaged over one third of our members in conserving energy at home through the Task of the Month program, and shared our knowledge at a number of H-IPL Using Energy Prudently workshops throughout the state, thus leading the way as an energy trailblazer in Indiana. 
        The award was accepted for our congregation by Marcia Veldman, Stephanie Kimball, and Molly O'Donnell, all members of our Green Sanctuary Task Force.
        For more information about the recognition visit http://www.hoosieripl.org/acclaimed.
        For more information about Earth Care visit www.earthcareindiana.org  
Our Folks...
    Congratulations to Melinda Pettijohn, who gave birth to beautiful baby girl, Codie Morgan Paige, on August 3rd.
Update from the UU Board of Directors
      Our congratulations to Rev. Scott McNeill, Rev. Sarah Gettie McNeill, and Elijah on the addition of Lucas David McNeill to their family!
      The Board will be having its traditional Fall retreat, this year on September 23rd and 24th. Recognizing the arrival of Rev. McNeill and in line with our September theme of Covenant, the retreat will take the form of a "Start-Up Workshop" led by Rev. Sharon Dittmar from the UU MidAmerica Region. The goal of a Start-Up Workshop is for the Board and Ministers to develop a shared vision and common expectations of leadership.
-- Von Welch, Congregational President

Seeking The Spirit
Bring a Friend Sunday is October 2
  
Do you have a friend or acquaintance who would enjoy our congregation?  Would you like an excuse to invite them to join you for a worship service?  Here's your chance! Sunday, October 2 is Bring a Friend Sunday.  Our ministers will create a particularly newcomer-friendly worship service.   If you bring a friend, you and your friend will be treated to coffee, fruit and pastries in the Library from 10:30-11:15 that morning. Questions? Contact Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator at connect@uubloomington.org  
UU Children's Choir Rehearsals in September
     New and returning singers, grades K-6, are always welcome! Contact: Children's Choir Director Jill Courtney, jillmcourtney@gmail.com 
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)

Chalice Circles: Your Ears Need the Exercise  
       Why would I sign up for a Chalice Circle? It's just another place I'll have to show up, right? Hours down the drain.
       I already attend services, sing in the choir, donate, volunteer, meditate . . .  I'm feeling pretty good about myself these days.  I don't need another commitment.
       Then a tiny voice interrupts: "Hey, think about us for a change."
Excuse me?
                                 "It's your ears, and we need exercise. The kind we get from deep listening."
      Now I remember Chalice Circle leaders asking us to practice deep listening as members shared their thoughts and feelings. I recall the effort it took to concentrate on what others said rather than simply reacting to it from my own point of view.
      And I remember learning I needed much more practice in deep listening.
      Deep listening helped me bypass the rusty old filter woven from my life history, opinions and prejudices.  It encouraged me to open my ears more fully to other people in all situations, and helped me connect with them.
      So I've decided to take my ears' advice.
      As you decide whether to join a Chalice Circle, consider the spiritual health of your own ears. Deep listening will exercise their ability to open wide and share other people's lives and ideas. The skills you develop will enrich you and those you touch, building understanding, friendship and community.
      Your ears - and your heart - will be grateful.  --Judy Allensworth
Chalice Circles: A Great Place to Begin and Continue       
     As a relative newcomer, the last Chalice Circle sessions were what I had hoped for-a great way to ease into the U.U. community.  The format, discussion topics, the number of get-togethers and meeting at the facilitators' home were conducive for sewing threads of friendship.  Our two hosts were phenomenally warm, engaging and superb in their role.
     The two work projects---preparing a meal for the Winter Shelter and helping with the annual U.U. auction lunch--- were energizing and convivial.  Sharing our struggles, challenges, insights and deepest thoughts with one another in a deep-listening and empathetic environment was a privileged, moving and profound experience.  
     To this seeker, there is nothing more important than creating community, and our Chalice Circle admirably helped engender this.  Are there any folks more interesting and worth knowing than those at U.U.?  Possibly.  More open-minded, thoughtful and concerned about the planet?   Again, a theoretical possibility, but where, if not here?!  
      So, if you are a newcomer, or would like to meet glowing stars in the U.U. firmament, or would like to get to know your neighboring U.U. attenders better, the Chalice Circles are a great place to begin and continue.  Thank You All and Martha and Earon for such a special and wonderful experience!  
 --Greg Haas  
Adult Religious Education--Call for Course Proposals
       Are you a spiritual seeker, an avid reader, a poet, parent, or activist?  Do you have an interest you would like to share and explore with fellow Unitarian Universalists? If so, you are encouraged to submit a course proposal to our Adult Religious Education (ARE) Program.
       We are now accepting proposals for Fall 2016 classes (October 15-December 15).  Either a single session or multiple sessions are welcome. Please click here to download a proposal form, or pick up a paper form in the church office. Proposals can be mailed to the church or emailed to the ARE co-chairs Dan and Sharon Wiseman at dansharonw@gmail.com 
Please submit proposals by October 1.
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-old tradition. 

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.  
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
Building Community
In the Worship Supply Closet 
During the Tornado Drill     
How many UUs can you jam in a closet on a Sunday?  Thanks to everyone who helped with our tornado drill during our Sunday worship services on September 4. Below are the pertinent details to remember from our Emergency Action Plan concerning tornado and fire emergencies:
TORNADO
   When the tornado siren sounds or during other severe weather, everyone should take shelter in designated downstairs Tornado Shelter Areas or upstairs windowless rooms. Religious Education staff will ensure children are taken to these areas where they can meet their parents/guardians. Building occupants should shelter in place until the warning has ended. 
FIRE
    Evacuate the building as quickly as possible using the nearest exit. Leave room for physically challenged people to leave first. Do not stand in the driveway or try to leave the premises in your vehicle. Wait in the grassy areas to the west of the building so that we can account for everyone. Religious Education staff will evacuate the children and take them to the southeast corner of the parking lot. On Sunday mornings the usher on duty will call 911 for fire emergency.  
pre-2005
Women's Alliance News
      The Sept. 1, 2016, Women's Alliance program was "New Leaf - New Life" with Mary Goetze and Marilyn Dallas. 
      During the meeting on 9/01/16 we misplaced the membership list, a three page document. If you find this list in your items, please return the documents
to the church, in care of Ann Watzel.
      Pick up your Women's Alliance Program Schedule between worship service on Sunday. See Ann Kamman or Ann Watzel in Fellowship Hall.
      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.  
Directory Update Coming Soon
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 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.
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 he 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 connect@uubloomington.org or call (812) 332-3695.

The Getting Involved Fair Starts September 11
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
Samuel Taylor Coleridge -- Unitarian, Poet, and Addict
      Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) is best known to us for his poem, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," one of the most widely-read poems in the English language.  He was the youngest of 13 children. When and when his father died when young Coleridge was 9 years old, he was put in an orphanage. He excelled in school and was admitted to Cambridge, but dropped out and joined the army.  He was dismissed by the army as insane. While in London he became friends with poet Robert Southey and essayist Charles Lamb.  They got him to join their Unitarian church.  Coleridge wrote sermons for the church that attracted the attention of pottery maker Josiah Wedgwood who subsidized his poetry and his move to northern England where he collaborated with poet William Wordsworth.   He traveled to Germany and brought back the German Biblical criticism that shaped Unitarian thinking.  He also developed severe arthritis and became addicted to opium, which he used as a pain killer.  While he led the transition of Unitarian Rationalism to Unitarian Romanticism while working with Wordsworth, he also returned to the Anglican Church and sought salvation and redemption for his addiction, which he could not overcome on his own. -Elof Carlson, Designated Historian
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 
Available - Deadline Extended to September 10
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: 
Extended deadline for applying is September 10. Questions? Contact bazaarart@uubloomington.org.

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,  August 21       9:15: 112    11:15: 173     RE: 76   TOTAL: 361
Sunday, August 28        9:15:  99     11:15: 163     RE: 97   TOTAL: 359
Sunday, September 4    9:15:  102   11:15: 146     RE: 26   TOTAL: 276
Non-Pledge Offering
August 21: $581.40   August 28: $464.95   September 4: $469.60
Total to be donated to New Leaf-New Life - $378.99
Grocery Card Sales
(Bloomingfoods, Marsh, or Lucky's)
August 21     $900, income to UUCB  $45.00        August 28      $450, income to UUCB $23.00
September 4 $1,075, income to UUCB $54.75
Changing the World
Experience the Story of 
Unitarian Universalists
Martha and Waitstill Sharp -- 
Defying the Nazis
September 20 on PBS
       People across the country will tune in on September 20, 2016, (9/8c) to watch the PBS premier of Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War, a film by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky. 
       As part of the Defying the Nazis: UU Action Project we encourage everyone to watch this important program. If you don't have television at home, please arrange to go to a friend's house to watch. There will be discussion and activities in the following weeks about the film and the issues it raises for us in the current day.  We have also purchased three copies of the companion book Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War from Beacon Press, and these will be available in our Library after September 13.
Climate Change Deep Listening Circle Starts September 11
Are you feeling despair about climate change?
     The Green Sanctuary Task Force will host a Deep Listening Circle on the second Sunday of each month, beginning Sunday, September 11 at 12:45 p.m. in Room 110. This will be a safe space for participants to talk about whatever is on their minds regarding climate change, to listen deeply to each other, and to hold and be held in a circle of care. It will also be a space of contradictions, holding up both joy and sorrow, pain and compassion, hope and acceptance, turmoil and peace. Guided by the writings and teachings of leaders such as Joanna Macy, Pema Chodron, Bill McKibben, Carolyn Baker, and Sharon Astyk, we'll explore the emotional and spiritual dimensions of climate disruption, building a community that enables us to face fear, anxiety and sadness full on so that we can move forward powerfully.
      All are welcome. Please join us on September 11, 12:45-2 pm in Room 110, and on subsequent second Sundays.  --Stephanie Kimball

News from our Racial Justice Task Force
Forward Together with Dr. William Barber
      There will be a march in Indianapolis on September 12 as part of a national day of action by Dr. William Barber II's Forward Together Moral Movement, to highlight social, economic and racial justice to our state legislature.  There should be actions in at least 26 states, coordinated by Dr. Barber's organization in North Carolina that held the Moral Mondays rallies there. The action will be from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Here's the website with a bit more information:  

     Dr. Barber spoke at the UU General Assembly in June in Columbus, Ohio, and was also on the program at the Democratic National Convention. His campaign is not partisan, but is reclaiming the language of morality to focus on empowering the poor and addressing a wide range of social and racial justice issues. 
     There are no formal plans for getting there, due to the late notice, but anyone interested could meet in the UU parking lot at 8:30 a.m. that day to caravan up to Indy.
     Dr. Barber himself will be in Indy on the evening of October 3rd, also a Monday, to speak as part of a national Revival tour. Here's that link:  http://www.moralrevival.org/therevivals/indiana 
Green Sanctuary Task Force Fall Clothing Swap October 1
    The Green Sanctuary Task Force encourages all of us to examine our habits of consumption.  What do we buy? Where does it come from? What happens to it when we're finished with it? What impact does our consumption have on the earth and its inhabitants?
     Each spring and fall, we hold a Clothing Swap to offer an alternative to buying new clothes.  This fall's Swap will be held on Saturday, October 1 from 10 am until noon with drop off starting at 9:30 am.
       Mark your calendars and start cleaning out your closets.  If it would be helpful to you to have childcare provided for this event, please contact Stephanie Kimball (Kimball.stephanie@gmail.com) as soon as possible.  
Homelessness Task Force Invites Us to Donate 
Household Goods for the Newly Housed
All are invited to help the Rapid Re-Housing program at Shalom Community Center, providing short term assistance to people who are moving from homelessness to permanent housing.  Many participants will be moving into their apartments with nothing. We are creating "welcome baskets" to help these community members get started. These can include toiletries (toothbrush, towel, shampoo...), cleaning supplies, a few dishes, sheets, blankets, a shower curtain, items that could ease their transition from a shelter to an apartment. To donate items please place them in the macaroni basket in the Commons. Questions, contact Alan Backler, abackler@aol.com. This will be an ongoing project.
Remember to Bring Macaroni for Shalom Center
We have promised to provide pasta and macaroni to Shalom Center again this year. Please pick up a couple pounds the next time you are at the store. Collection basket is under the Social Justice table in the Commons. Questions, contact Alan Backler, abackler@aol.com. 
  Caring for the church grounds: September 10 and October 1
There will be two fall grounds workdays this year.
The first will be Saturday, September 10th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
The main project for September 10th (raindate Sunday Sept. 11th 12:30-3:30) will be to lay a new layer of cardboard on the path from the Bypass and cover it with wood chips.
The second will be Saturday, October 1st  9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon (or raindate Sunday Oct. 9th 12:30-3:30)
Tasks in October will include deadheading, spreading mulch, and some planting. 
Please bring your own appropriate tools and gloves. If you have questions or suggestions, please talk to or email Molly O'Donnell, mollysod@gmail.com.  If you can help another time, contact Molly for a list of tasks that can be done anytime.
  
Fundraiser Coffeehouse October 21 to Benefit Walnut Grove Food Pantry
Save the Date!

The Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force invites everyone to a special fundraiser coffeehouse on Friday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m., to support its work with Walnut Grove Food Pantry. Mark your calendars now!
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, September 11, at 12:45 a.m. in Room 208. The topic is 
  "Reinventing Humanism" led by David Keppel.  

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, September 18, at 12:45 a.m. Info, contact John Crosby.   

Our church is taking part in the EPA's 2016 National Energy Competition - Ways you can help
   The competition's goal is for participants to lower their energy use from September through November 2016 below the amount used in the same period last year. Although we've reduced our building's carbon footprint dramatically, we hope this competition will inspire us to dig deeper.  Want to help? Have suggestions?
   See our webpage at http://tinyurl.com/GSTF-2016 for a few simple ways to save more energy, or come to our information table in Fellowship Hall between services to talk to a Green Sanctuary Task Force member.
Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community

Brown County Native Woodlands Project, Inc. Nature Daze September 10
Nature Daze is an outreach event on Saturday, September 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Camp Rancho Framasa, sponsored by the Brown County Native Woodlands Project to help landowners understand the importance of managing their property to create a resilient native habitat. This FREE event includes a BBQ lunch, children's program, door prizes, native plant sale, speakers, and a tour of Frog Pond Ranch. To register, visit https:///www.bcnwp.org or call 812-988-2211. Photo by Jeff Danielson, Browncountyphoto
 
Middle Way House Inc. Training for Volunteers 
to Assist Survivors of Domestic Violence--September 10 or September 17
    Middle Way House is seeking to train new volunteers to help maintain the level of service that they provide to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.  Both women and men are strongly encouraged to attend the training event. There are volunteer opportunities in many different
program areas including: crisis line, childcare, tutoring, legal advocacy, community reception, and youth mentoring. Training will be held on September 10 or 17 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with a one hour break at the Downtown Transit Center's multipurpose room.  For more information call (812) 337-4510 or e-mail volunteer@middlewayhouse.org

Beacon Young Adult/Campus Ministry
Orion Day, our Young Adult/Campus Ministry Coordinator, can be reached at beacon@uubloomington.org and will have office hours at the Indiana Memorial Union Room 577 soon. Stop by and say hello!
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: macklin@uubloomington.org  



 
  
 

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
on Wednesday and Friday mornings. email:  mre@uubloomington.org   
 
   

  

Relentlessly Useful Administrative Information
If you notice a problem with the building, please contact Carol Marks, Church Administrator, admin@uubloomington.org, 812-332-3695, ext. 200, and she will contact the experts to get it taken care of.  
WEEKDAY OFFICE HOURS are generally Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exceptions are posted on the office entrance. SUNDAY OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (staffed by the Office Assistants, Deeva Khatiwada and Monica Overman)
--Carol Marks, Church Administrator
Livestreaming of Sunday Services
Livestreaming the Sunday Services Link:   uubloomington.yourstreamlive.com
As archived videos of service become available they will also be at the link listed above.
If there is a problem with livestreaming, please contact Andy Beargie or Andrew Walden, our Multi-media Specialists, 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, Monday, September 19.

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:   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  
Masthead photo by Molly O'Donnell


Photo by John Woodcock