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Building Community, Changing the World, Seeking the Spirit
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Why is the Prologue on Tuesday this Time?
It's an Experiment!
To help better accommodate staff and minister schedules, we are trying something new this summer with The Prologue. During June, July, and August, we will publish on the first and third TUESDAYS of each month, instead of on Monday. The only exception is
Wednesday, July 5, since July 4 is the first Tuesday of July, and the office will be closed for Independence Day.
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Sunday, June 25, 2017
ONE SERVICE ONLY AT 10:15 A.M.
Like Eagle That Sunday Morning
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
This summer we, Unitarian Universalists, will explore the many sources from which we draw for inspiration. What sources resonate with you? How do these sources provide grounding for you in these uncertain times? Reverend Macklin will offer reflections on these questions and provide an update on our 2017 Unitarian Universalist General Assembly.
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Sunday, July 2, 2017
ONE SERVICE ONLY AT 10:15 A.M.
Instant Karma (We All Shine On)
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
"Well we all shine on, like the moon and the stars and the sun"-John Lennon. How do we make meaning in our lives as liberal religious seekers? "Why in the world are we here?" What calls us forward to seek the spirit, build community and change the world? Why march in the 4th of July parade as Unitarian Universalists? Why strive for solar for all? Can we all shine on?
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MAM's Musings
Where there is a will there is a way!
Last Saturday evening our Unitarian Universalist Racial Justice Task Force joined Second Baptist Church of Bloomington in a fundraiser. The Second Annual Momma Minnie's Juke Joint was held Saturday evening as a fundraiser for the West Baden Church Renewal Project, Organized by Elizabeth Mitchell, partner in the Resilience Project with Dr. Gladys DeVane. There was great food, great music, and great fun, including the opportunity to dunk Reverend Scott at the Ministers-Only Dunk Tank, a.k.a. Revenge of the Baptized aka Wait! I'm a Universalist! Other UUs helped cook, serve food, and pitch in all around. The 1909 West Baden Colored Church is a National Historic Landmark, the only remaining building from the African American community that housed people who worked at the French Lick Resort but were not welcome at the churches, hotels, restaurants and schools in the white community. A short video about the project is at
http://act.usatoday.com/submit-an-idea/#/gallery/60314351/
.
In this photo, UUCB member Gladys DeVane embodies the spirit of "Where there is a will there is way!" by defying dunk-tank-protocol in order to send Reverend Scott McNeill into a refreshing plunge into the tank.
Join us!
July 4th we will march in the 4th of July parade on....July 4th! There will be a short percussion training, after the June 25th worship service, for those of you who can march and keep a beat.
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From Reverend McNeill
Following a fantastic summer solstice service this past Sunday, we head into a slightly different season. We've begun our summer schedule of having one 10:15 service - that will continue through July (two services returns August 6). Staff schedules will vary a bit - please check in with someone before stopping by to see us, in case we're gone. And yet, as Reverend Mary Ann mentioned - there will be plenty happening this summer.
If you need to touch base with a minister, know that our schedules are changing, too. I'm out of the office between June 19 and July 23 - though you can join me and others in the July 4th parade. Reverend Mary Ann will be gone for the month of August; we will send her off on July 23rd and look forward to her return for our Water Communion service the first Sunday of September. Reverend Emily will have a couple of weeks where she will be at a leadership conference - and she will have some time off during the summer, as well. If you need to talk with a minister, please reach out to the office staff and they will help you get in touch.
The changing season often brings travel - some of us head off to places near and far and others return to Bloomington. Throughout the summer, our ministers emeriti (Reverend Barbara Carlson and Reverend Bill Breeden) will be around for some of our worship services and we hope you get the chance to say hi to them. Whatever your summer entails, we hope it's fulfilling and restorative and we look forward to connecting with you!
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From Your Board of Directors
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Spring Congregational Meeting last weekend. We heard from three worthy organizations for our 25%
Sunday
Plate contributions for next year, and selected All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center as our recipient. Congratulations to our newly elected Board members Michelle Monroe Cook, Steve Gilbert, Sandy Churchill, Sharon Wiseman and, re-elected, Helmut Hentschel , and to Kathleen Sideli on her election to the Special Purposes Fund Committee and Deb Hutton on her election to the Leadership Cultivation Committee. Many thanks to Connie Nelson Laird, Arzetta Hults Losensky, Deb Hutton, and Doug Cauble for their service to the Board as they complete their terms this month.
And thank you to everyone for the discussion regarding the Right Relations Covenant and associated Committee of Right Relations which we voted to adopt. We believe this will be a valuable expression of our aspirations as we find ourselves in the natural disagreements that result from a non-credal religion.
Finally, we approved a budget for next year on the expectation of the remainder of our normal pledges making their pledges for next year, so please do so if you have not already.
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This Sunday! Drumming Workshop for the 4th of July Parade
Come learn some short and simple rhythms to play in the
4th of July Parade. Drums and small percussion instruments will be provided, all ages welcome. Colleen Haas will be our instructor. Gather near the west wall of the Meeting Room (Sanctuary) after service this
Sunday, June 25.
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Community Events
You're invited! 'Fellowship, Fashion & Tea' Runway Fundraiser
Annual Interfaith Celebration, June 28 at 2:00 pm at St. Mark's United Methodist Church
St. Mark's UMC is cordially inviting all supporters to attend their "Fellowship, Fashion & Tea" annual fundraiser to support MCUM's programs. Hosted at St. Mark's United Methodist Church (100 State Road 46, Bloomington, IN 47408), the event will feature posh community members modeling clothing from Chico's and Christopher & Banks. No tickets are required, but all free will offerings will be donated to MCUM.
Come show your support for MCUM while enjoying iced tea, scones, tea sandwiches, cookies, fruit, and tarts, as well as door prizes! If you'll be in attendance, please RSVP by calling St. Mark's at
812.332.5788 or e-mailing the church at
office@smumc.church
Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community July 13
You are invited to a viewing of a new documentary, "And Justice for All: Indiana's Federal Courts" on Thursday, July 13 at 7:00 PM in the auditorium of the Monroe County Public Library, in Bloomington. The video focuses on the history of the US District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and features several folks from UUCB, including a segment starring Jeff Stone.
We encourage you to bring friends and family along for the viewing. Light refreshments will be served. Thank you. -- Alan Backler
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Our thoughts are with Kate Ellis and her family upon the passing of her father on May 21st.
Congratulations to Dr. Jean Creek, who was honored with an
Impact Local Healthcare Award
on Thursday, June 15 by the Bloomington Hospital Foundation, recognizing him as a "titan of healthcare." Dr. Creek has been a friend of our congregation for many years.
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One Summer Service Each Sunday
at 10:15 a.m.
June 18 through July 30
We will hold one service only each Sunday this summer, starting June 18 and continuing through July 30. Religious Education will take place as usual during the service (except on June 18, which is an intergenerational service.) Regular services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. will resume August 6.
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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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Women's Alliance Meets July 6 at 11:30 a.m.
The next Women's Alliance meeting is
July 6th. The program will be
"Opportunity House" with Sandy Churchill. The hosts will be Anna Wiley
and Sharon Wiseman.
The Women's Alliance meets the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
Please enter through the court yard doors. The
meetings begin with a brown bag lunch; drinks and dessert are provided by
the hosts of the month. The program begins at
noon
, followed by a
business meeting.
Join us. All are welcome.
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Tell Bloomington about our church, be part of the 4th of July Parade!
Do you have a Golf Cart?
Exploring Unitarian Universalism Class - July 9 and 16
Are you interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism and this congregation? Are you considering becoming a member of this church? Whether you are considering membership or are just curious, this class is for you. The Exploring UU Class will be held on
July 9 and 16
from
2-4 p.m.
in the church library. Please plan to attend both
Sunday
sessions, since different material will be covered in each session. Register before
July 3
by signing up at the Welcome Table in the foyer, or emailing Ann LeDuc at
connect@uubloomington.org
. Free childcare is available if requested in advance. Steve and Kathy Gilbert will facilitate this fun and informative class.
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DENOMINATIONAL AFFAIRS
We are very pleased to announce that the following delegates are representing our
Congregation at the 2017 UUA GENERAL ASSEMBLY June 21-25 in New Orleans:
Doug Cauble, Julie Cauble, Marlin Howard, Amy Makice, Orion Day, Renee Reed, and Jackie Hall.
Off-site delegate is Iris Kiesling. We are looking for one more off-site delegate to
vote in the UUA presidential election and follow the business of the Assembly electronically.
As many of you know, this is the year we select a new President of the UUA. All delegates,
ministers, and ministers emerita/us can vote for the president. If you have any QUESTIONS,
please contact one of our delegates. There are many interesting discussions going on at
the Assembly. You can follow it ALL at
www.uua.org/ga
or
generalassembly@uua.org
JOIN US and follow what is happening at UUA GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2017.
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Marsh Stores Purchased by Kroger --
Let's Use up these Marsh Cards
Here are the denominations we have on hand of Marsh grocery cards:
Two $100 cards, four $50 cards, five $25 cards.
If you are about to stock up, please buy some of these cards and use them at Marsh before the end of June. Lots of good sales there at the moment; most things are 20% off. Purchase of grocery cards results in the church receiving 5%-7% of the purchase price as a donation from the various grocery stores, and this program earned $7,000 for our budget this year!
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Lost and Found Alert
Missing a jacket, water bottle, scarf, umbrella, shirt, sweater, hat or gloves? Please check out the very nice collection of lost and found items on the courtyard coatrack and retrieve your items. We'll be giving whatever's left to charity soon.
--Carol Marks, Ch.Admin.
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Habitat Task Force Invites Builders
on June 24
To complete the interfaith build by early July, additional builders are needed on
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 UUs who financially supported the annual build. Your support is greatly appreciated. --Barb Berggoetz
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Our Grounds Help to Lower
Our Carbon Footprint
Since last fall we have planted 13 trees on the church grounds to help "sink" carbon, and mulched several areas to reduce the amount of grass to be mowed. We have also engaged our children by planting and nurturing (and harvesting) vegetables.
Could you volunteer to help water trees and vegetables a couple of times this summer? A review of what is needed and weeks available to sign up is at: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0545A4A62FA2F49-uucb1
If you can help, Molly O'Donnell will hold a couple of "how to" sessions to explain the irrigation systems we have set up for the trees. We have also set hoses near the vegetable garden and for the tree near the Meeting Room and on the northwest corner of our lot. mollysod@gmail.com or 812-345-7399.
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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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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, July 3 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
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 experience; freewill donations
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John Biddle
The Father of English Unitarianism
John Biddle (1615-1662) was born in Gloucestershire, England and died in London. He was the son of a tailor and his aptitude was rewarded by education at Oxford where he got a BA and MA. He then returned to Gloucester to become headmaster of a school but was required to teach religion as one of his duties. He read the Bible thoroughly and found no evidence for the Trinity, Original Sin, or an everlasting punishment in Hell and he wrote a series of arguments he intended to publish. Instead he was reported as a heretic and sentenced to prison. He was released temporarily and had freedom to preach when Cromwell came to power. But Puritan critics had him rearrested. Cromwell instead exiled him to the Scilly Islands. His friends got him released and he returned to London, but was again arrested (his fourth time) and died of a fever in prison. When he was in exile he translated a biography of Fausto Socinus. He also published his suppressed views on Socinian or Unitarian beliefs which he called A Two Fold Catechism. He described his critics as afflicted with "brainsick notions that have neither sap nor sense."
--Elof Carlson, UUCB Historian
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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, July 2 at 11:45 a.m. in Room 208. The topic will be "Who Owns the Ground Water?" led by Judy Burkshire.
A complete list of spring/summer topics
can be found here. (From June 18 through July 30, the UU Humanists and Freethinkers will meet at 11:45 a.m., following the service, which begins at 10:15.)
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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, June 25, at 11:45 p.m.
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Current Membership: 516
Attendance
Sunday, June 11 9:15: 107 11:15: 157 RE:47 TOTAL: 264
Sunday, June 18 One service at 10:15: 156
Non-Pledge Offering
June 11: $644.45 June 18: $421.30
Total to be donated to New Leaf-New Life $266.43
Grocery Card Sales
(Bloomingfoods, Marsh, or Lucky's)
June 11: $650, income to UUCB $39 June 18: $875, income to UUCB $46.75
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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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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 Tuesday of June, July, and August. It's an experiment!
Next few issues: July 5 and 18, August 1 and 15.
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Masthead photo by David Orr at Zion National Park
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