Friday UU Update                       Friday, August 25, 2017
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana
Grounds Workday Tomorrow, Saturday, August 26
Help make our grounds welcoming for Rev. Macklin's return
Join us  tomorrow  between  9:00 AM  &  noon .  Bring water, gloves and your favorite (well-marked) tools.  Thanks!  --Molly O'Donnell ( 812-345-7399 [email protected] ), Building and Grounds  co-chair
Sunday, August 27, 2017  
9:1 5 and 11:15 a.m. 
"Stories I Tell"      
Reverend Scott McNeill
     A little-known song from 1991 provides a perfect glimpse into the benefits of Chalice Circles--namely, these small groups provide an opportunity to share our experiences and have people listen deeply, without needing to offer advice or jumping in to speak. Join us for our Chalice Circle kickoff, as we reflect on the spiritual acts of wondering, listening, and sharing. 
This Week in Religious Education
This week in Religious Education we will conclude our journey through Kenya as kids visit art, games and music. All kids in K-8 th grade will end class in the library and can be picked up there.  9:15 a.m. preschoolers will try their hands at games. 11:15 a.m. preschoolers will hear Elmer the Elephant and consider our Red promise, Respect All People. Middle school youth group resumes on September 10. High School Youth group will meet from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in Room 210 and will have a potluck lunch and plan their activities for the coming months.
Religious Education Registration Closing Sunday, August 27!
Many thanks to those who registered their children and youth for RE 2017-2018; we sincerely appreciate it. If you have not registered, the time to act is NOW. Registration information is vital to your child's safety and our volunteer teachers. If you do not register, your child will not have a name tag, you will not receive invitations from RE, and you will be asked to register your child before they can enter their classroom on September 10. Register here: https://goo.gl/forms/m8eqx0BInu1D4HZJ2 .
UU Humanists Discussion this Sunday, August 27
All are welcome to join the UU Humanists discussion this Sunday, August 27 at 12:45 p.m. in Room 208.   The topic is "Artificial Intelligence's Impact on Our Lives" presented by Clark Brittain.
Getting Involved Fair this Sunday. Join the fun!   
Looking for new ways to seek the spirit, build community and change the world?  This Sunday groups from our church will be available during coffee hour in Fellowship Hall to assist you. We'll share info, answer questions, and invite you to  get  involved in activities that interest you. Come join the fun! --Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
Reproductive Justice Task Force Meeting, Monday, August 28, 7:00 p.m.
Come join us for the first fall meeting of the Reproductive Justice Task Force on  Monday, August 28, at  7:00 p.m. in Room 208. We have some exciting projects underway! All are welcome. Questions? contact Nan McKinley @ 
626-824-8955  or Deborah Meader @  812-345-0930
Earth Kin Book Discussion Group on Monday, August 28
Earth Kin will host a book discussion group on  "Wisdom of the Elements" by Margie McArthur and working with the four elements/wheel of the year. Join them in Room 210 on Monday, August 28, 7-9 p.m. If you would like a PDF copy of the reading, please email Brooke Opel at [email protected].
When Children Leave Home: a sharing and writing workshop
facilitated by Amy Cornell
Wednesday, August 30, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Library
For parents, grandparents, and caregivers who are in a transition to life with fewer (if any!) children at home. The tender time of letting go deserves attention, and this circle allows participants to honor that transition with others who find themselves at similar junctures. To sign up, please contact the church at 812-332-3695 or [email protected].
Reminder: Water Communion Intergenerational Service 
Next Sunday, September 3
We will have an ingathering and mingling of waters. Please bring water connected with your summer experiences.  We will also have symbolic water available. Religious education classes will not meet. Childcare for our youngest children is available in Room 108.
We need YOU to help at the Splash of the Sacred picnic on 9/3
Volunteers are needed for the Splash of the Sacred picnic at Bryan park. Splash of the Sacred is an all church event where we come together as a community to share a potluck meal and swim in the Bryan Park Pool. Volunteering at Woodlawn Shelter on September 3 from 5-7 p.m. is easy and quick. Pool party immediately following. 
Please sign up to volunteer by clicking here  or contact Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator, at [email protected]
Kids with Absent Parents (KAP) program 
from Hope for Prisoners Invites Donations & Volunteers
    With added responsibility and loss of the absent parent's income, the caregiver is has many emotional and material challenges. Our Hope for Prisoners Task Force has initiated the Kids with Absent Parents (KAP) Program to help children in Monroe County whose parents are incarcerated. When parents are incarcerated, their children's lives are often disrupted by changes: Where they live and go to school, extra stress on the caretaker, fear, shame, and social exclusion.
Exploring Unitarian Universalism Class - Sept 3 and 10
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  Sept 3 and 10 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  August 29 by signing up at the Welcome Table in the foyer on Sunday, or emailing Ann LeDuc at  [email protected]. Free childcare is available if requested in advance. Melinda Swenson and Jack King will facilitate this fun and informative class.
Greeter and Welcomer Training, Sunday, September 3, at 12:30 p.m.
Greeters are vital to making ours a welcoming church.   Newcomer Welcomers orient first-time visitors, while Greeters hold doors, distribute orders of service, and collect the offering.   It's a great way to meet people, and you set your own schedule.    A training session  will be held  Sunday, September 3, at 12:30  in the Meeting Room.   Contact Craig Coley at  812-287-3368  or  [email protected].
Fellowship Dinner Signup Starts Now!
     Would you like to get to know more people in our church community in a relaxed, intimate setting? In October the first Fellowship Dinners will take place. These are small monthly dinners held October through April in the homes of those belonging to the group or in other congenial locations.  You don't have to be a church member to take part. For more information and to download a registration form,  http://bit.ly/2uLDNtV
Paper registration forms are also available in the church office, Room 204.
Your Pledge Dollars at Work
With your financial support, we can provide outreach activities like our Getting Involved Fair, and our booths at the Monroe County Fair, IU Faithfest, and Pridefest. All these involve materials, booth fees, and staff and volunteer time to make them happen, so THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
How Can You Help?
Here's a List of Items We are Collecting Currently
Homelessness Task Force
   for Shalom Community Center: macaroni; Rapid Rehousing housewares and linens
Reproductive Justice Task Force
   for Planned Parenthood: Snacks and juice boxes for patients
   for All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center: Diapers
For More Information see the August 15 issue   of our newsletter, The Prologue.
Masthead photo by John Woodcock.
Unitarian Universalist Church