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Seeking the Spirit, Building Community, Changing the World
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Sunday, January 8, 2017
9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Stop, Look, Listen
Reverend Scott McNeill
Frederick Buechner writes that the most basic lesson of art is to "stop, look, and listen to life on this planet." And, he says, that is what prophets have done throughout history. This morning's worship will invite us to complete these three simple (and yet difficult) tasks.
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Sunday, January 15, 2017
9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
The Energy of Action & the Fire of Commitment
Reverend Scott McNeill and
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Each week, we hear these words as we light our chalices. Howard Zinn once spoke of the need to have "the energy to act" so that we might change the course of our spinning world. Our future contains a multitude of possibilities for what lies ahead. Join our ministers as they present different visions of how the next few years play out in our lives, community, and world--and how our commitment to action can make a difference.
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Sunday, January 22, 2017
9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Annual Science Sermon: Post the Truth
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Cosmologist and Science Educator Neil deGrasse Tyson, who will speak at the Indiana University Auditorium on March 22nd, writes, "The thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe it." In this "Post-Truth" era, in this Post-Inauguration sermon, I will post scientific truths from such areas
as human origins, environment, physics, math, astronomy, health, mind and brain, and technology. The service will include a seventh inning stretch.
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Why Does This Prologue Look Different?
We are experimenting with a "mobile friendly" format with this issue of The Prologue. We used a similar format with the Friday UU Update on December 30 and received positive feedback from several of those who read church publications on their mobile telephonic devices. This format shows up fine on other devices too.
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MAM's Minutiae--2017
* Can't emphasize enough the importance of interfaith gatherings in 2017. On January 8th (Sunday before MLK weekend) join us for an Interfaith Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. at St. Mark's United Methodist Church. I serve on the coordinating committee for this event, which promises to have a high interfaith turnout.
* Was with a small group of friends last week and observed that we were echoing one another's experience--we were all feeling lonelier due to the emotional and spiritual armor we've donned in response to the President-elect and the emboldened plutocracy plaguing our country. But! my friends and I concluded, we must still soften our hearts to those around us with whom we can connect and share our truth in this post-truth era. Mindfulness and meditation practices are methods of nurturing the heart--remaining open to love takes courage. Of note, I just received this quote from my Yoga instructor: "In theory, practice and theory are the same, in practice, it isn't."
--Yogi Berra.
* Don't miss the bus! A bus will be going to the Women's March in Indianapolis on January 21st. (Contact Deborah Meader for details, deborahmmeader@gmail.com).
* A dear friend from Madison, Wisconsin, who is the Assistant Director of Administration for the UW Union Theater, shared, "The day after the November elections the
Russian feminist protest punk rock group Pussy Riot was scheduled to perform at the UW Union Theater. They did! And the theater was standing room only." Pussy Riot is known for their audacious art and civic activity which challenges the repressions of a corporate political system.
When asked by a UW audience member, "What can our country do now in face of the election?" A member of Pussy Riot stated, "Nurture your community." And so we shall.
* Lastly, thanks to all the holiday elves for the variety of treats and gifts I received over the past several weeks--of particular mention are the dilithium crystals which will keep my warp core running strong as well as the bad-ass lesbian buttons which will keep my warp core humming with humor. Of course, thanks to everyone for the ongoing generosity you provide, so that together, we nurture our congregational community and our Bloomington community--Seeking the Spirit, Building Community, and Changing the World.
Love Guiding Us, 2017!
MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, Senior Minister
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Update Regarding the Bloomington
Refugee Resettlement Project
The core team of UUs working on refugee resettlement wishes we could offer more concrete news about the future possibility of having refugees move here from Syria or the Eastern Congo. Unfortunately, right now, things are at a stand-still. Exodus Refugee, the non-profit leading this work, is organizing ways that people in Bloomington can stay engaged as we wait to find out when, and if, we will be welcoming refugees.
As we get more concrete information, we will send general updates through The Prologue (for the whole church) and more specific information to the list of people who signed up to learn more about this project. Thank you for your patience, as we try to support our partners in the community. If you have questions, please contact me (
Rev. Scott),
Deb Fish,
Marlin Howard, or
Harold Ogren and we will do our best to find the answers for you.
Rev. Scott McNeill
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Our Folks...
We celebrate Amy Makice
, whose proposal for a workshop on the subject of how Relational-Cultural Theory can help in our divided climate was approved for the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (June 2017). Please join Amy on Saturday, January 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the launch (with lunch) of the Relational-Cultural Theory program here at our church. Contact the church office 812-332-3695 ext. 204 to sign up, or email office@uubloomington.org.
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January Intersession Explores Prophetic Unitarian Universalists
Our January Religious Education Intersession will explore a prophetic Unitarian Universalist figure over 4 weeks from January 8
th
-January 29
th
. This year, our structure is a little different. We are dividing our Kindergarten-8
th
grade into mixed age groups where they will have a steady guide who helps them rotate weekly through cooking, drama and science. Preschoolers will have the option of attending the 9:15 a.m. session and being in their own age group to participate in the Intersession activities or the can choose to attend their familiar Spirit Play class at 11:15am. Please contact Adrienne Summerlot
dre@uubloomington.org
or Rev. Emily Manvel Leite,
mre@uubloomington.org
for more information.
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Be the change you want to see in the world...
Teach Religious Education!
Volunteering to tell stories to our preschool and Kindergarten + classes or investigating questions with our 3rd-6th graders gives you a rewarding opportunity to impact future generations. If you would like to learn more about volunteering in this shared ministry, contact Adrienne Summerlot
dre@uubloomington.org
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Religious Education News Blast
Want to know what is going on in Religious Education for Children and Youth?
Click here to read the RE News Blast.
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Adult Religious Education Course Proposals
Due January 15
Do you have an interest you would like to share and explore with other Unitarian Universalists? If so, please submit a course proposal to our Adult Religious Education (ARE) Program. We are now accepting proposals for Winter/Spring 2017 classes (February 15-May 15). Courses can be one session or can run up to 4-6 weeks. Please
click here to download a proposal form, or pick up a paper form in the church office. Email proposals to ARE co-chairs Dan and Sharon Wiseman at
dansharonw@gmail.com
Please submit proposals by January 15.
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Shambhala Meditation Every Monday at Noon
Join us at 12 noon every Monday in the Library for an hour of Shambhala Meditation, walking meditation, and Shamatha yoga with Sarah Flint. Beginners welcome in this 2500-year-old
tradition.
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Traditional Taiji Resumes January 5
The taiji class will not meet over the holidays on the following dates: 12/31,1/3. Classes will resume on 1/5/2017 at 5:30 p.m.
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Open Mind Zen Bloomington
Mondays
Starting January 9
Join Frank Seisho Diaz for meditation, talks, and discussions on Zen Buddhism,
Mondays 7:00-8:30 p.m.,
in Room 110 here at the church. All are welcome regardless
of faith or experience;
freewill donation.
More info:
openmindzenbloomington@gmail.com
or
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Ministry Themes for 2016-17
We will be exploring the following themes for the remainder of the 2016-17
church year.
October: Healing
,
November: Story,
December: Presence,
January: Prophecy, February: Identity, March: Risk,
April: Transformation,
May: Embodiment, June: Zest
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Strangers in Their Own Land,
Anger and Mourning on the American Right
Book Discussion Saturdays, January 14-February 18,
10:30 a.m.-12 :00 noon
Led by Tomi Allison, assisted by Rev. Barbara Carlson
Why do a sociable people with strong kinship and community ties who live in an
environment devastated by oil and chemical industrial waste hate the EPA and government and identify with Tea Party politics? Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right by Arlie R. Hochschild was listed in 100 notable books of 2016, New York Times Book Review, 12-4-16.
Tomi Allison and Rev. Barbara Carlson will lead a discussion on this book starting Saturday, January 14 at 10:30 a.m. and every Saturday through February 18. The book is available at the Book Corner at a discount, as well as online. Register for the book discussion by contacting the office,
office@uubloomington.org or 812-332-3695, ext. 204. Minimum 5 participants, Maximum 15.
A word from Rev. Carlson: How often do you interact with those who challenge your world view? I enjoy associating and talking with UUs who share my values. I do not know any Tea Party members (as far as I know!) Hochschild is a renowned sociologist who went deep into arch-conservative Tea Party country to truly listen "in order to understand why they believe the way they do." Greater understanding was her goal in writing her book. Join us for lively discussion. --Barbara
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Help Build Community!
Pictorial Directory Portrait Session Sign Ups Continue Online
Paper Sign Up Available January 8
Sign up for a portrait session for our fancy new pictorial church directory by
going online at this link. Paper sign up sheets will be available at church starting January 8. We can also help you with making an appointment if you call 812-332-3695 on weekdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Photo sessions are Jan 25-28 and Feb 1-4. Monday, March 20 is available for those who are out of town in January and February. Please participate! Portrait sessions are free and will take about an hour. You'll receive a directory and a free 8x10 portrait and you can purchase more photos if you like.
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Ready to Become a Member of UU Bloomington?
If this is your community, if you feel at home here, join us! The next opportunity to become a member of UU Bloomington is Sunday, January 8 at 10:30 am in Room 112. (We ask for participation in our "Exploring UU" class prior to signing the membership book.) To make arrangements to become a member, or for questions, please contact Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator, at
(812) 332-3695 or
connect@uubloomington.org, by January 3
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Welcome to Our Newest Members
In December, 14 new members were welcomed into the congregation. Please offer a warm welcome to our new members: Bill Boyles, Irene Brock, Marsha Bush, Tom Duffy, Linda Grace Frost, Laura Hannum, Emily Hewitt, Sarah and Neil Kopper, Lisa Meuser, Angela Sturdevant, Pearl and Brian Springfield, and Thomas Vanderplough. Below is the second installment of bios for the new members.
--Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator.
Emily Hewitt
has been a resident of Bloomington for about 6 years and works full time as a hair stylist and salon educator at Royale Hair Parlor. She has two small children and is looking forward to raising her kids in the UU community. Emily enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, gardening and camping.
Sarah Kopper moved here from Austin, Texas, in 2015 with her husband Neil and their two children. In Austin she was active in the local food movement, including being a board member of the Yard to Market Cooperative. Now she stays busy raising Harvey (age 4.5) and Eileen (age 2). She also enjoys biking for transportation, reading, and listening to (and creating) podcasts.
Brian Springfield
My wife Pearl and I moved to Bloomington, from Northern Virginia about 6 months ago. And we have loved every minute of it. We have been to many movies at the IU Cinema (some of which I owe my wife big time for dragging her too), gone to the Buskirk, the Bluebird, volunteered at Lotus and Habitat and have now joined the UU Church of Bloomington. What will the next six months bring? I can't wait to find out.
Pearl Springfield
I recently moved to Bloomington from Northern Virginia with my husband Brian, for a simpler, more balanced life. I'm a former high school marketing teacher, who enjoyed 26 years helping students achieve their best, and was involved in many community service activities within my school. I especially enjoy staying close to our two wonderful sons, and especially our granddaughter, Isabelle, who now lives in Bloomington.
Irene Brock is a life-long resident of rural Gosport, but spent a great deal of time in Bloomington as an IU student and professional staff member, as well as a short stint in the central office at the MCCSC. She served in many roles and levels of education and continues to engage in both education and other social systems design efforts.
Irene enjoys life in the country, gardening with nature's principles, and working in various social justice projects.
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Women's Alliance Meets January 5
On Thursday, January 5th the program will be "Women of the UU Movement" with Elof Carlson, our congregational historian. Hosts will be Mary Goetze and Anne Haynes.
The Women's Alliance meets the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 am in Fellowship Hall; enter through courtyard doors. Meetings begin with a brown bag lunch; drinks and dessert are provided by hosts of the month. The program begins at noon, followed by the business meeting. --Julie Cauble VP Women's Alliance
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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 bi-weekly forum will meet next on Sunday, January 15 at 12:45 a.m. in Room 208.
The topic will be "Resurrecting Sigmund Freud," presented by Elof Carlson.
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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, January 8, at 12:45 p.m. in Room 208.
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Unitarian Universalism at the Regional and National Level
If you are planning some travels in 2017, please consider attending the following
Regional and National UU meetings.
1. MidAmerica UU Regional Assembly April 28-30 in Oak Brook, Illinois - outside Chicago.
2. UUA General Assembly June 21-25 in New Orleans, Louisiana
Speak to some of the delegates who attended last years meetings: Doug Cauble, Marlin Howard, Martha Foster and Earon Davis, Pat Brantlinger. For more information: Iris Kiesling
ifkiesling@aol.com
or 812-332-5224.
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UU History for You
Alphonso Taft and the Battle Over
Religion in the Public Schools
Alphonso Taft ( 1810-1891) was born in Vermont but lived most of his life in Cincinnati, Ohio. His father was a farmer, lawyer, and judge and he sent his son to Yale. Taft served as a high school teacher and earned a law degree at Yale. His first marriage to Fanny Phelps produced five children, only two surviving. His second marriage to Louisa Maria Torrey also produced five children and one of them was William Howard Taft, the future President of the United States. Alphonso Taft became a Unitarian after hearing sermons by visiting ministers in Cincinnati where he practiced law. He was appointed as one of three Supreme Court judges for Ohio. In 1864, the city was sued by a Catholic archbishop and two rabbis for mandatory daily readings from the King James Bible and singing Protestant hymns in class.
Taft wrote the minority dissenting opinion, arguing that the US Constitution bars involuntary religious beliefs in or by public institutions. In 1873, the case was retried and the Court unanimously agreed that Cincinnati's school board was in error, quoting from Taft's dissenting argument that the function of public school education is "secular education and moral and intellectual training." That has been the standard by which local school boards have been judged ever since when a specific religious belief is imposed on students or faculty of a public school.
--Elof Carlson,
UUCB Historian
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"Advocacy and Healing in Uncertain Times"
led by Amy Makice
Saturday, January 14,
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Fwp Hall
lunch included.
In this workshop, Amy will build on the ideas presented during the November 20th service, using Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) to bridge differences and to care for ourselves during times of conflict. We will look at primary prevention through the lens of RCT, finding commonalities in all of our social justice work, from racial justice to preserving our earth to feeding the hungry.
Drawing from the works of feminist scholars including Jean Baker Miller and Jamie Ward, this workshop will offer techniques for connection that honor our own integrity and sense of justice while fostering growth across relationships.
We will also explore creating a space of supported vulnerability and mutuality in order to care for community members having these difficult conversations and advocating for justice. Participants will be invited to assist in creating ongoing healing space for social justice advocates as we move forward.
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"Time to Choose" Film, Dinner, and Discussion
January 15, 5-7 p.m. at the Bus-Chum
The Green Sanctuary Task Force invites you to The Fierce Urgency of Now: TIME TO CHOOSE, a free event presented by nine local environmental groups on Sunday, January 15, 5:00-7:00 PM, at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Excerpts from the film, Time to Choose, will present both challenges posed by climate change and workable solutions to them. A light meal will be served, giving an opportunity for discussion before a representative from each group will spotlight its strategy to meet the challenges. Carrie Newcomer will lead the audience in song, after which people can learn more about local actions. The event is free with RSVP at
choosejan15.wordpress.com
. Click on YES! SIGN ME UP to reserve your space.
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"Making Just Peace in a Violent World"
with Margaret Squires and David Keppel
Friday, January 20 at 3:00 p.m.
In the first part of this two-part workshop, David will look at global conflict in a Trump administration, including the endangered nuclear deal with Iran, Palestine-Israel, Russia, China, Cuba, Donald Trump's threatened war against Islam, cyber war, nuclear weapons, and global climate justice.
In Part Two, Margaret, a licensed psychologist and therapist, will lead a group exploration in non-violent communication in an age of anger. How do we make contact across barriers, be they of nationality, class, race, gender, age, or ideology? How do we practice and demonstrate deep listening, establish common ground, and share deep convictions? The workshop will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. here in the Ralph and Annetta Fuchs Library (upstairs). For details,
see the December 19 Prologue.
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Interfaith Winter Shelter Crowdfunding Campaign
The UUCB Homelessness Task Force is pleased to announce that the Interfaith Winter Shelter Crowdfunding Campaign, for this season, has just been launched.
Funding goal is $50,000.
The website for the campaign is:
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Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
Mentor a Veteran
The new Monroe County Veteran Treatment Court is searching for veterans to fill the role of Volunteer Veteran Mentors. Volunteer Mentors act as coach, guide, role model, advocate, and a support for the individual with whom he or she is working. More information contact Mary Elftman, 812-349-2537 or veteransaffairs@co.monroe.in.us
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Reverend Macklin Away January 1-8
In case of a pastoral emergency during this time, please contact
Reverend Scott McNeill.
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Beacon Young Adult/Campus Ministry
Orion Day, our Young Adult/Campus Ministry Coordinator, can be reached at
beacon@uubloomington.org and keeps office hours at the Indiana Memorial Union Room 577. 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.
macklin@uubloomington.org
Rev. Macklin will be away until Monday, January 9. In her absence please contact Rev. McNeill.
Reverend Scott McNeill, our Associate Minister,
can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 209 and is available by appointment on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons.
mcneill@uu
bloomington.org
. He can also be reached on his mobile phone, 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
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Livestreaming Our Sunday Services
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Deeva, Carol, and Monica
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Who Ya Gonna Call?
Contact Info for
the Church Office
The church office is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and for 45 minutes following each Sunday service. If you notice something about our building that needs attention, please contact Church Administrator Carol Marks right away at 812-332-3695 ext. 200 or admin@uubloomington.org and she will call the experts to take care of it. Since she has been at this since 1992, she responds readily to a variety of administrative and facilities maintenance conundrums.
If you have general administrative questions, including questions about your pledge balance, registering for a class, whether we found your glasses, scarf, ipad, phone, car keys, jacket, or notebook that you may have left at church, or to find out when something is happening, you may also contact Monica Overman or Deeva Khatiwada, our Office Assistants, at 812-332-3695 ext. 204 or office@uubloomington.org.
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Church Calendar
A link to our church calendar can be found on this page of our website.
Facebook
Prologue Publication Schedule
The Prologue is edited by Carol Marks. The deadline for articles is 10 a.m. on the date of publication, which is the first and third Monday of each month, with exceptions for federal Monday holidays, except January 2, 2017, which I forgot was a federal Monday holiday! -c
Next few issues: January 17, February 6 and 21, March 6 and 20.
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Masthead photo by John Woodcock
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