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Building Community, Changing the World, Seeking the Spirit
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Saturday, May 20, 2017 4:00 p.m.
The Installation of Reverend Scott McNeill
The Reverend Mary Katherine Morn, preaching
Please join us on Saturday, May 20, 2017, 4:00 p.m. for the Installation service for Reverend Scott McNeill as we celebrate and reaffirm the bond between Scott and our UU Church of Bloomington. Details about this event can be found
Here and Here. Childcare will be available.
We are honoring Rev. McNeill and his commitment to social justice by supporting the Backpack Buddies Program through Community Kitchen. We will be collecting shelf stable protein-rich foods that will help to fill a great need for this program. Currently, there are 400 children in Monroe County enrolled in Backpack Buddies across 18 schools, using 3,200 pounds of food EACH WEEK! For more information on Backpack Buddies and how you can help,
CLICK HERE.
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Sunday, May 21, 2017 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Embodiment of our Stories: What More Bloomington UU?
Reverend Sharon Dittmar, Congregational Life Consultant, MidAmerica Region of the UUA
Since the founding of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana, in 1949, you have been a dynamic and intrepid group of Hoosiers (and transplants) dedicated to liberal religion, creativity, justice, love, and action. You have accomplished much in your time, and continue to be a model for other UU congregations in our faith. Our service is part celebration of all things Bloomington UU, as well as a quest to consider what else you could embody. In a time when our denomination and congregations face challenging conversations, how can we listen to our bodies and hear the stories of others in their bodies? What more could we manifest if we fully embodied our Unitarian Universalist stories?
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Memorial Day Sunday, May 28,2017 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
The Questions We Embody
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
What are the questions we embody in our lives? What were your first big questions? Columnist Courtney E Martin writes about the topic of "the first big question." "Hearing about [others'] first, big question got me wondering about my own. What is the question that I asked as a little girl and have never stopped asking? How has asking that question defined, even if unconsciously, the choices I've made, the things I've created, the legacy I will leave behind?"
We will explore the embodiment of questions as well as your first big question in this worship service.
Of note, my first big question had to do with loss and death; I will offer reflections on that as well.
Between services you are invited to bring or fill out Advanced Directives regarding your end-of-life wishes. A Notary will be present to notarize any wishes regarding your choice of Health Care Representative.
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MAM's Musings
Why is attending Scott McNeill's Installation important? The same reason that pledging is important. It is a vital way to be involved in this congregation. Your congregation. It is a way we honor and celebrate our relationship with Scott and one another.
On the afternoon of Saturday, May 20 (4:00 pm), we will hold a special "Installation" worship service, marking the end of the transition process that brought Reverend Scott McNeill to our congregation. The worship will be lively and festive, with outside speakers and former ministers joining us. We are especially encouraging families to join us--there will be childcare during the service, as well as activities for children (and, depending on the weather, a bounce house open before and after the service).
We will also integrate a service project, celebrating the ways we hope to continue to partner with our community. We are partnering with Backpack Buddies to provide food for children who rely on meals provided by the schools (read more about the program here:
http://www.uubloomington.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/a-BackPackBuddiesInfoSheet.pdf)
. And, following the Installation service, we will have a reception and opportunity to chat with Scott and the whole ministry team. We look forward to seeing you this Saturday!
In a bit of an unusual twist, I, the Senior Minister of our congregation, will be offering the Charge to the Congregation as part of the Installation, which means I get to charge you all with whatever I want. That'll be a charge!
Speaking of a charge, if you have not pledged yet, please do pledge now. Your financial support of this congregation helps create a supportive atmosphere for our staff and lay leaders and thus our ministry. Click here to pledge this very minute!
In the faith,
MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, Senior Minister
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Regional Assembly and Covenant
First, let me offer a brief recap of the MidAmerica Regional Assembly (held in Oak Brook, Illinois, in April) and a look ahead to the UUA General Assembly this summer. We had a total of ten people from Bloomington at the Regional Assembly, which had a focus on multifaith work. The keynote, worship, and a couple of the workshops focused on how to build community with people of different faiths. Doug Cauble, one of our members who serves on both the UUCB Board and the MidAmerica Board offered poignant closing words during the business meeting, well-representing the congregation.
One particularly interesting part of the Regional Assembly was the Friday night UUA Presidential Candidates Forum. During General Assembly this summer, there will be an election for the position of UUA President (there are many changes to the system of selecting a president, which you can read about here).
Together with Iris Kiesling, who organizes our connections to the larger Association, we will hold a meeting for members of the church to learn more about the candidates and election process between now and late June. One final note regarding General Assembly--one of our members, Amy Makice, had her workshop proposal selected for this year's General Assembly. Join us in cheering her on, as well as being a part of her preparation as she test-drives the workshop here at UUCB on June 17!
During our June 11 congregational meeting (6/11/17 at 4:00 p.m.), we will discuss a number of items, including a proposed covenant. The following is an excerpt from Warren Ross's book, "The Premise and the Promise", a history of the Unitarian Universalist Association, and it seemed particularly timely.
"As we face the future, we are also rediscovering the strengths that flow from our heritage. Two pillars of that relationship are congregational policy and covenantal relationship (204)."
Note--congregational polity means that each church makes its own decisions and covenantal relationship means that we agree to treat one another a certain way, and are guided by certain rules that are self-imposed. The book goes onto say this:
"Rebecca Parker ... says, 'Can we find a way in which we embrace and celebrate diversity and also cultivate community--something greater than the sum of the parts?
Covenant making may be the key--the commitments we make to one another, the promises we make as a congregation, as an association, are what creates church community. Covenant requires a human presence, an active presence to one another, and gets us beyond who am I--to who are you, and what can we do together?' (205)"
Reverend Scott McNeill, Associate Minister
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From Your Board of Directors
Our June congregational meeting is coming up quickly: Sunday, June 11th at 4:00 pm. The agenda includes voting on the slate from the Leadership Cultivation Committee (see their article in this Prologue for that slate), setting our budget for 2017-18, and updates from the Board, Ministers, and key committees. We will also continue our discussion and consider adopting a Covenant of Right Relations (formerly Healthy Communications)--please see the website for the latest version: http://www.uubloomington.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2017-05-15-Covenant-of-Right-Relations.pdf
And if you have not pledged yet, please do so! This will let us best set our budget at the meeting.
Please note the Board meeting for May has been moved to May 24 at 7:00 p.m.
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2017 4:00 P.M.
The Meeting Room
2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington, Indiana
All members encouraged to attend.
Childcare provided.
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A memorial service for former long-time member Margaret Strong will be held here in our Meeting Room on Sunday, May 21 at 2:00 p.m. Margaret passed away last fall, on October 1, 2016, in Minnesota, where she had made her home in the last few years.
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Habitat Task Force Invites UU Youth to Participate on June 10
The Habitat Task Force would like to invite any youth 14 years and older and young adults to participate in the Youth UNITY Build on
Sat., June 10, as part of the ongoing CommUNITY Interfaith Build. UU and eight other faith communities are financing and building a home for a couple and their five children at 520 W. Duncan Dr. Youth from some of eight faith communities involved in the build will be participating. Youth 14 and 15 years old will do jobs such as landscaping and painting off-site, and those 16 and older will do various tasks, with instruction and supervision, at the home. Breakfast snacks, lunch and drinks and a Unity Build t-shirt will be provided.
Youth, as well as their parents or other adults who'd like to help on that day, should contact Barb Berggoetz at
barbberg@bluemarble.net or call
812-320-8422 by
May 31. Fundraising to participate is encouraged and fundraising pages can be set up at
communitybuild.kintera.org, on the UU team page. The Habitat Task Force also will help with fundraising efforts.
To complete the interfaith build by early July, additional builders are needed on
June 3,
June 17, and
June 24. Individuals can sign up on your own at
www.monroecountyhabitat.org, and sign up for the Duncan & Chambers Construction Volunteer. Or, you can contact Barb Berggoetz.
The task force will be selling CommUNITY Interfaith Build t-shirts to help finance the build for builders and anyone to buy when they are available in June. The build has raised $43,000 of the $70,000 cost, so the faith communities have a ways to go before reaching our goal.
The UU and friends Women Build team completed its build day on May 11. The entire team raised more than $15,000 and helped build two homes for local families. Thanks to the UU women who participated and raised money and to the Women's Alliance and several other UUers who financially supported the annual build. Your support is greatly appreciated. --Barb Berggoetz
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Macaroni and Coffee for Shalom Center!
For the last 3 years, our congregation members and friends have provided macaroni for the meal program at Shalom Community Center. Please remember to pick up a package the next time you go to the store.
Coffee request
Shalom now needs coffee. For some reason coffee donations are down considerably.
So donations of coffee (in addition to macaroni if you can) for the Shalom Center would be very welcome!
Collection basket for donations is under the Social Justice table in the Commons.
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Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
Jewish Theatre of Bloomington - Visions of Right, May 18-27
The Jewish Theatre of Bloomington presents "Visions of Right" by Marcia Cebulska.
(See Ryder Magazine interview)
It is about "trying to come to terms with the effects of prejudice and violence,
a young woman confronts a hate-mongering extremist and learns how fragile
her own humanity is." Ivy Tech John Waldron
Rose Firebay on
May 18
, 20, 25, 27 at
7:30 pm
,
and
May 21
at 3:00 p.m. The author is expected to attend most performances. Reverend Macklin wil participate in the talkback on May 25.
www.jewishtheatrebloomington.com
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Black Democratic Caucus Meets May 25
at 6:00 p.m.
The newly formed Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus is working to strengthen Black community involvement in local politics. Help us make your voices heard and your votes count. Be hands up and hands on!
The meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers, Showers City Hall, 401 N. Morton Street.
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High School Program Open House Picnic
Are you wondering what is next for you and your youth as they enter high school? As they join Coming of Age and/or the high school youth group? Our youth and high school parents are happy to share their experiences.
The UU youth group enthusiastically invites youth who will be in ninth through twelfth grade next year, and their parents, to our:
Potluck Picnic, Games and Orientation to UU Youth Programming
1-2:30pm, Sunday, May 21, 2017
Henderson Shelter, Bryan Park
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First Monday Poetry Sharing
Join us in this ongoing monthly group for poetry lovers! Bring a poem to share that you enjoy. Next meeting is Monday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m. in the Library at church. Contact Bob Taylor for info,
bstaylor1@comcast.com
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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 on Tuesdays and Saturdays
But not May 16
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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Open Mind Zen Bloomington
Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
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
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UU History For You
Whitney Moore Young
One of the major leaders of the Civil Rights movement in mid-Twentieth century America was Whitney Young (1921-1971). He was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, and died of a heart attack while at a conference in Lagos, Nigeria. He was born in a middle class home. His father was President of Lincoln Institute, a historically black college. His mother was a school teacher. He got his BA at Kentucky State and entered the Army when WWII broke out. He was sent to study engineering at MIT and learned to mediate between the black troops and their white officers.
After the war, he joined his wife, Margaret, in Minnesota where he studied industrial relations. He also joined the National Urban League and rapidly rose in its management, while also serving as a Dean at Atlanta University. Under his guidance the National Urban League grew from 38 to 1600 employees. Young was selective in his choice of strategies and programs. He felt compromise was inevitable in contentious struggles. He joined marches but condemned violence in response to violence. His ideal was an urban Marshall Plan. He became advisor to Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon. He stressed lawsuits and protests as the most effective means to achieve incremental changes. Young and his wife Margaret were active in the Atlanta UU Congregation.
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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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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, May 21 at 12:45 p.m. in Room 208. The topic will be "History - Forces, Individuals, Repetition" led by Rich Janda.
A complete list of spring/summer topics
can be found here.
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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, May 28, at 12:45 p.m.
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Come Celebrate Iftaar with Us June 9
You are invited! Join our Muslim friends in a joint celebration of Ramadan at our church on
Friday, June 9th
. Sunset on
June 9
is
9:11 p.m.
and feasting will begin shortly thereafter, following the call to prayer. Doors will open at
8 p.m.
for set-up and preparations. Members of the Mosque provide the main course, and we bring a positively yummy selection of desserts. The Iftaar celebration is one the biggest events of the UU calendar and we always have many volunteers who help out and enjoy socializing. I think last year we had a record number of friendly UU faces welcoming our Muslim neighbors. It was FUN!
Volunteer sign-up sheets will be found on a table in the hallway at church beginning on
Sunday, May 21
. While signing-up, enjoy a date, which is the traditional food for breaking the Ramadan fast.
Contact Abby Downey at
812 824 7755
or text
219 306 9801
, with any questions or suggestions. (I do love suggestions for a more successful evening. Really!)
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Marsh Stores Likely to Close -- Come Buy Some Marsh Cards!
We were as surprised as you were to learn this week that the two remaining Marsh stores in Bloomington may be closing soon. We have a pretty good stock of Marsh grocery cards that we would like to sell before the middle of June. There are certain to be some good deals at Marsh in the near future, so buy some Marsh cards from us and stock up! Grocery cards are available for sale in the Commons every Sunday morning, 10:15-11:00 a.m. Our grocery card program contributed $7,000 to our operating budget this year. Thank you for participating!
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Please Don't Park on the Grass
Please don't park in grassy areas on the church property or on the grass across Fee Lane by the ball diamonds. IU has specifically requested us not to park in the grass on their property because of the damage it causes. Please note we are not allowed to park over there at all if there is a baseball game or softball game in progress. Thanks, Carol Marks, Ch.Admin.
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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 isSunday, May 21 at 10:30 am in the library. 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, ext.203 or
connect@uubloomington.org
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Welcome to our Newest Members!
On May 7, we welcomed six new members into the congregation. Please offer a warm welcome to our newest members: Heather Craig, Riss Emond, Gayle Gingrich, Marcia Hart, Marty McDonald, and Renee Reed.
Below are some new member bios to help you get to know them. --Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator.
Marcia Hart
Marcia Hart grew up in Muncie, Indiana, and at the age of twenty left for California to finish college. After teaching physical education for forty years, she retired and devoted her time to volunteering, travel, photography and square dancing before her recent move to Bloomington to be near family. She is looking forward to getting involved in all UU has to offer and believes this community will be a perfect fit for her.
Riss Emond
Riss is originally from a semi-rural town in Massachusetts, but attended undergrad at USC (the one in LA). Riss has previously been heavily involved in the LGBTQ+ community, but only outside of IU and Indiana. Being from a family that never attended college, Riss strongly values education and learning, inside and outside of the classroom, as a student and as an instructor.
Heather Craig
Heather Craig moved to Bloomington in 1986. She is a professional violinist, staff member at The Community Kitchen of Monroe County, and has her own pet-sitting business. She is looking forward to becoming active in the UU community.
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Leadership Cultivation Committee Slate
for June 11 Congregational Meeting
Your Leadership Cultivation Committee (LCC) presents the following slate for your vote at the June 11th Congregational Meeting. We thank all these members for their willingness to serve the congregation, as well as those they are replacing for their service. LCC: Sheri Benham, Danny Callison, Harv Hegarty, and Von Welch.
Board of Directors
Vice President: Michelle Monroe-Cook (replacing Connie Nelson Laird)
Treasurer: Sandy Churchill (replacing Arzetta Hults Losensky)
Secretary: Steve Gilbert (replacing Deb Hutton)
At Large: Sharon Wiseman (replacing Doug Cauble)
At Large: Helmut Hentschel (incumbent)
Leadership Cultivation Committee (LCC): Deb Hutton (replacing Matt Stonecipher)
Special Purposes Fund (SPF): Kathleen Sideli (incumbent)
Biographies of Nominees
Michelle Monroe-Cook found her spiritual home at UUCB six years ago, serving on several committees and task forces and finding the most joy as advisor to high school youth. Professionally, Michelle is a Project Manager at the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands with a passion for disability and accessibility advocacy. Michelle is pleased and privileged beyond measure to have been nominated for the position of Vice President and is excited for the opportunity to serve the congregation in this role.
Sandy Churchill
, a member since 2008, found a home to meet her personal, spiritual and community needs and growth. Singing in the choir, participating in fellowship dinners and chalice circles brings deep satisfaction. Serving as Treasurer of the board will give Sandy the opportunity to support her church.
Steven Gilbert,
a retired university science educator, has been a Unitarian for around five years, during which time he has participated in and led chalice circles, taught 'Intro to UU' classes, served regularly as a greeter, enjoyed many pleasant fellowship dinners, worked when available with the winter shelter, and contributed in various other ways to the ongoing fellowship of the church community.
Sharon Wiseman
moved with her husband Dan to Bloomington in 2015. She has been a member of 3 UU congregations and served on the Board of Countryside UU. Sharon retired in October 2015, having worked in libraries for more than 40 years. Sharon and Dan continue to consult with libraries. She helps with Welcoming, the Book Table, and Adult Religious Education. Sharon believes in practicing gratitude, being a part of making changes in the world and focuses on positive responses to all she encounters.
Helmut Hentschel,
in spite of his very German name, is a native of North Carolina. He was blessed with a Hoosier wife, Jo Ann, 37 years ago and moved to Indiana after 24 years of service in the US Army and 10 years as a defense contractor. He is the proud grandfather of four boys, and two sets of great kids and kids-in-laws. Helmut has been a member of the UU Church of Bloomington for five years and joined the Board of Directors last year.
Deb Hutton
joined UUCB in 1984 and since then has served on or led many committees or groups, such as the Board, YRUU, Bazaar, coffee hour, Beloved Conversations, and washing dishes. This congregation has been a supportive, spiritual family for her and she appreciates every opportunity to do the same for others.
Kathleen Sideli
started attending UUCB in 1989 with her husband, Dan Quilter, and two children. For the past 20 years, she has had governance experience on ten boards, through her professional life of international education as well as local organizations. She served as congregational president of UUCB during a time of transition planning, which was challenging as well as rewarding.
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UU Midwest Leadership School
for Adults and Youth (ages 14-18)
Are you a leader or a youth who wants to improve your leadership skills and explore more deeply the U.U. faith?
Midwest Leadership School (MWLS), in Decorah Iowa, is an immersive week of learning about leadership tools and best practices, and theological exploration with other UUs from the Midwest.
More information is available at
www.mwls.org
. Register by
June 1
. Flame Keepers scholarship applications are due
May 15
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Show Bloomington what you love about our church--
Help with the 4th of July Parade!
Bloomington's
4th of July Parade is a great way to tell the larger Bloomington community what our church is all about. Contact Ann LeDuc if interested. We will need marchers, artists, singers, and more. --Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator, connect@uubloomington.org
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Current Membership: 516
Attendance
Sunday, May 7 9:15: 104 11:15: 219 TOTAL: 323
Sunday, May 14 9:15: 96 11:15: 140 TOTAL: 236
Non-Pledge Offering
May 7: $676.93 May 14: $487.50
Total to be donated to New Leaf-New Life $292.36
Grocery Card Sales
(Bloomingfoods, Marsh, or Lucky's)
May 7: $1600, income to UUCB $80.00 May 14: $1,000, income to UUCB $54.00
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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
Reverend Scott McNeill, our Associate Minister,
can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 209 and is available by appointment on Wednesday 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
Please let us know if you have a problem with the livestream, by emailing Andy Beargie at
media@uubloomington.org It is also helpful if you let Andy know which web browser you are using.
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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!
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Deeva, Carol, and Monica
Our Administrative Staff |
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I make a financial pledge? Click here. Or c
all Carol at 812-332-3695 ext 200 or admin@uubloomington.org
2. I need to know my pledge balance. Call either of the numbers above: 812-332-3695 ext 200 or 204
3. I need an appointment with one of the ministers. Contact them directly. See their contact info in above article.
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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.
Next few issues: June 5 and 19, July 3 and 17.
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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:
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Masthead photo by Linda Mjolsnes. Bluebird fledgling, May 2017.
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