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Seeking the Spirit, Building Community, Changing the World
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Sunday, April 22, 2018
9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Intergerational Earth Day Celebration: "The Lorax"
Join us as we celebrate Earth Day and reflect upon ways that we can better care for our beautiful planet. A dedicated intergenerational cast of 40 puppeteers, singers, musicians, dancers, storytellers and actors will present the beloved Dr. Seuss story, featuring Laurie Green as the Lorax puppeteer, Henry McDaniel voicing the Once-ler, and Nathaniel Cox-Thurmond as the young Once-ler. Our ministers and musicians will create space for personal reflection and a renewal of our commitment to care for our earth.
Photos Needed for the Service
For this service, we need photos of beautiful places and polluted places in Bloomington and environs. If you have photos to share, please send them to Reverend Emily Manvel Leite (
mre@uubloomington.org) by
Thursday at
noon.
Thank you!
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Sunday, April 29, 2018
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
The O of Home
Reverend Scott McNeill
Each of us has different experiences with the idea of home (for instance, Harry Potter's home was difficult, until he found his way to Hogwarts)--and yet we join together in here in Bloomington to create our spiritual home, which can be a magical place. What would it be like if we could wave a magic wand and make home just right? Join us for magic spells, music, and a chance to make new memories as we think about home in all of its forms.
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MAM's Musings
During
April, we have engaged a series of amazing worship services. April 1st gifted us with music from Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar; the music and solos inspired reflections which flowed from their spirited performance. Last Sunday, we had a rock band and community sing-a-long which showcased music from decades ago which is still full of heart and meaning for us liberal religious seekers here in the 21st century. Also, invisible to many, was the couple who found the music too loud and made the creative choice to listen to the worship service in our nursery via live-stream. Their choice is part of what it means to be in community---witnessing that others are enjoying (a worship service) and making the creative choice to still be a part of the community. Cool.
Still, what continues to stir my soul daily is the Coming of Age service on April 8th. Our mentors and mentees spoke exquisite and powerful truth as they participated in this tender rite of passage. I and many others were moved by the quality of relationship formed between mentor and mentee and the resultant belief statements shared
Click here to view this service in case you missed it, or, even if you did experience it, you might benefit from seeing and hearing it again.
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Zumba Enthusiasts on Pledge Day-Community Day April 14
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I am in profound gratitude and amazement for the generous gifts offered by volunteers represented in our worship services and other areas of congregational life. I am grateful for the staff that makes all services possible. Thank you all. Thanks to the members and friends of this congregation. It takes a village. Our worship services highlight the spirit of our Pledge as a community effort---pledging is about supporting community and the spiritual center of our vision, worship. Seeking the Spirit, Building Community. Changing the World. Click here to make your pledge for 2018-19 (Choose "I want to make a Pledge Commitment").
Of note, kudos as well to our motivated youth who attended a Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office conference in New York City in early April.
Our youth demonstrate that cynicism is not an option. Here's a quote from Jonathan Leite on the experience:
"I think the most important thing about the UU-UNO conference was the opportunity to connect with people nationally who are interested and involved with global issues. It's so important for us to have the opportunity to build those connections--if we don't know anybody, how can we grow as a society?"
With gratitude and love,
Mary Ann
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, Senior Minister
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Keeping Our Momentum Going
March Madness is over and most of us have moved on; but, one of my favorite things is that just before the men's championship airs, they air a video called, "One Shining Moment" (made of clips from the NCAA tournament). This year, upon recognizing that the television stations and conferences didn't put together a video for the women's championship, and recognizing the incredible drama of the previous three weeks of championships, one coach put together his own highlight reel. You can see the top three highlights here:
https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/04/one-shining-moment-womens-ncaa-tournament.
The video that we sent out last week, created by our multimedia staff, is not a highlight reel (or, thankfully, a gag reel of our mistakes and missteps) - but it is a great way to recapture some of what it's like to be a part of this community. I hope you'll take a moment to watch it (it's not just about Pledge Day or our Pledge Drive --but a great reminder of what we do here)--and join us throughout the year as we keep our momentum going. For the video, please visit:
https://youtu.be/FCzmBJaT56c.
Scott
Reverend Scott McNeill, Associate Minister
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Our Folks...
Our thoughts of healing are with the family and friends of Melissa Keller, who died on April 14. A memorial service for Melissa will be held here in our Meeting Room on Monday, April 23, at 4:00 p.m.
Our thoughts and hearts are also with Beth and Dan Lodge-Rigal. Beth's father died early Friday, April 13,
in Ohio surrounded by family.
Our sympathy and thoughts of healing are also with the family and friends of John Hicks, who died on April 12. A memorial service for John will be planned at a later date.
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From Our Board of Directors
Gratitude and Community!
Echoing a comment heard often Sunday: Wow!
We are grateful for so much about this UUCB community: The Coming of Age Graduates and their mentors who spoke so eloquently; the musicians and singers at this Sunday's service; Reverend Andy Burnette joining us from Arizona and his sermon; and all of the volunteers and cooks for Community Day-Pledge Day.
We are also grateful to everyone who has pledged. We are over three-quarters of the way to our goal of $650,000. We request you pledge, no matter the size. The Board will be contacting members and friends who have not pledged yet to answer any questions you may have.
You can still make your pledge for 2018-19 online
(Choose "I want to make a Pledge Commitment"). As Reverend McNeill put it so eloquently on Sunday, we ask everyone to give what is right for them to support our community.
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25% Sunday Non-Pledge Plate Recipient Nominations Open
The process for nominating the next local non-profit agency to receive 25% of our Sunday non-pledge plate offering has begun. An application form for the 2018-19 fiscal year is now available from Steve Mascari,
uucbsjfunds@uubloomington.org.
Click here to read
the application guidelines. The application deadline is April 30.
The Social Justice Funds Committee: RuthAnn Cooper, Kelly Rockhill,
Anna Beauchamp, Steve Mascari. Advisor: Jackie Hall
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All Are Called--
Join Us at GA!
We're planning to attend the UUA General Assembly in Kansas City, Missouri,
June 20-24, 2018. W
e would like you to join us. Some of us will
have space in our cars to carpool. Early bird registration deadline is
May 1st
!
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Earth Day Green Grounds Tree Planting Apr 22
The "grounds" of our church--our outdoor spaces--greet people arriving for worship or events before they even get to the church doors, and are visible to those passing by as well. How do they welcome our community and express our values? How might they say "Enter, rejoice, and come in!"
Green Grounds invites you to help find out!* On Earth Day, Sunday, April 22
nd
after church, help plant 50 hazelnut saplings (donated by the Green Sanctuary Task Force) and 10 evergreens, to form a hedge above the Bypass fence. If we have enough volunteers, we'll also plant 50 hazelnuts south of the parking lot, along the first leg of our newly-cleared walking path. (A terraced garden outside our main entrance will follow in May!)
Be sure to bring your gardening shoes and clothes if you want to help on Earth Day!
We'll be prepping the area between April 14 and 20
th
, as weather permits. If you have a planting bar we can borrow for a week, please contact Molly O'Donnell at
mollysod@gmail.com
or 812-345-7399.
*To see our vision and site plan for Green Grounds, check out the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall, next to the Green Sanctuary coffee/chocolate sales table.
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Our Reproductive Justice Task Force Invites You to Help Women in Need
Want to support women in Indiana when they are in need of extra funding for an abortion? Donate in April during the annual fundraiser for the Hoosier Abortion Fund. All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center administers the program locally, and the UUCB Reproductive Justice Task Force will donate an extra $500 if our team raises $1,000! Click https://bowl.nnaf.org/team/164274 to donate. Here's a poster!
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Spring Diaper Drive to support All Options
Extended through April 22!
Did you know that no state or federal assistance programs, such as WIC or SNAP, provide assistance for the purchase of diapers? Help All Options Pregnancy Resource Center meet the need and contribute to the Reproductive Justice Task Force diaper drive.
Drop diapers and wipes in the Pack 'n Play in the Commons to support Hoosier families on
Sunday, April 22nd.
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Just Peace Task Force Hosts Workshop April 25 Abolishing Nuclear Weapons Begins Locally
On Wednesday, April 25th at 7:00 p.m. here in our Fellowship Hall, Timmon Wallis and Vicki Elson of the Nobel Peace Prize winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons will lead an interactive workshop, "The Global Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Begins Locally." It should be an empowering event. Co-sponsored by Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, the UU Just Peace Task Force, the Peace and Social Concerns Committee of Bloomington Friends Meeting, and the Campaign for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel. Free -- all are welcome! Info, contact David Keppel.
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Green Sanctuary Task Force Spring
Clothing
Swap
April 28
T
he 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 spring's Swap will be held on Saturday, April 28 from 9:30 am until 12:00 noon. M
ark your calendars and start cleaning out your closets. Childcare provided in Room 108.
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Support for Those Returning to Community After Incarceration --
Landscaping and Handyman Services Offered
The Hope for Prisoners Task Force is much impressed with the new local
charitable organization "MUM: Made Up Mind". They offer a comprehensive support system for carefully selected individuals recently returning to our community from incarceration. An essential part of this is providing supervised employment for the first few months, providing a variety of services. If you need assistance such
things as lawn care, landscaping, painting, gutter cleaning, car detailing, furniture repair or residential moving, please have a look at their website,
mummadeupmind.org
,
contact them directly at
812-822-0876
or
mummadeupmind@gmail.com
, or contact
either of the Hope for Prisoners Task Force co-chairs, Mary Goetze or Chris Haynes. We know several of them personally.
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Habitat Task Force Thanks
The Habitat Task Force is very grateful to our congregation and friends for the generous and continued support of our efforts to raise money to help back the efforts of the local Habitat for Humanity chapter and other housing initiatives.
We were so pleased with the turnout for our Jammin' Java Coffeehouse and were glad everyone enjoyed the wonderful musicians from our own congregation and other talented groups.
We also raised a record amount of funds at our Easter breakfast. For both events, we netted $2,860. Many of you donated more--sometimes a lot more--than the cost of the events, too, so your generosity is much appreciated. And we've learned that good music and good food are sure winners when it comes to attracting UUs!
We were able to complete our $5,200 commitment to fund the renovation of a resale Habitat house and will make good use of the remaining funds for an upcoming Habitat project.
Thanks again, Barb Berggoetz, task force co-chairperson
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MEGA Bounty Full
Sunday
Food Drive May 13!
The Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force will collect non-perishable food and toiletries for Monroe County United Ministries on Sunday, May
13
. Bring nonperishable food items to church at either the first or second service. Personal toiletries, diapers, and household cleaning supplies are also welcome. Volunteers are also needed after second service to load the food into vehicles so we can take it to MCUM. Thank you for helping feed our hungry neighbors. Click here to see a poster (pdf)!
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Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
Dances of Universal Peace on April 29 at Bloomingfoods
Dances of Universal Peace led by Sura Gail Tala
April 29. 6:00 pm at Bloomingfoods East Patio Room
iCan Bike Camp 2018
Bicycle Camp for People with Disabilities
May 14 -18, 2018
Frank Southern Ice Arena,
Hosted by Down Syndrome Family Connection
iCan Bike Blomington 2018 is a camp that teaches children, teens, and young adults with disabilities how to ride a two-wheeled bicycle. Within the five days, over 80% of participants learn to ride a conventional bicycle independently. Info:
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Welcome to one of our newest members!
Ted Hall joined the congregation on March 18. Please give Ted a warm welcome when you see him at church. Below is his picture and a short bio to help you get to know him better. -Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
Edmund R. (Ted) Hall was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on February 24, 1940. In 1969, he came to IU, eventually earning a degree in teaching with a minor in chemistry. He taught at Bedford North Lawrence High School until the administration made things easier for themselves and harder for teachers. Then, he worked at the IU Cyclotron as a technician, until retiring in 2003. He has been attending the Bloomington contradance since 1972 and works as a volunteer at Mother Hubbard's Cupboard. Ted met his wife Linda Tansey Hall at the UU Church and they were married in 1988. They attended the church for a time, and then there was a long period when they did not attend. Recently they have returned and both joined the Church. Linda and Ted like the church a lot and look forward to being involved here.
Three Coming of Age Participants are new members
On April 8, after completing the Coming of Age program, three participants became members of the church. Please welcome Nathaniel Cox-Thurmond, Kathrynn Meuser, and Adrian Reed to membership.
--Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
Exploring UU Classes April 29 and May 13
Are you interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism (UU) and this congregation? Are you considering becoming a member of this dynamic religious community? Whether you are considering membership or are just curious, this class is for you. The Exploring UU Class will be held on April 29 and May 13, 2-4 p.m. in the church library. Please plan to attend both Sunday sessions, since different material will be covered in each session. Childcare available upon request. Register by signing up at the Welcome Table in the foyer, or email Ann LeDuc,
connect@uubloomington.org.
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Women's Alliance Meets May 3rd
The May 3rd Women's Alliance meeting is "Sharing Our Art and Salad Pitch-in." Artists, bring your art and tell us about it. Everyone, bring a salad to share with several others. The hosts for the month, Ann Connors and Doris Wittenburg, will provide drinks and dessert. Come and chat with friends and make new friends. We meet in Fellowship Hall at 11:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
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Join "Sing for Joy" Senior Choir
What:
A choir especially geared to the interests and abilities of senior citizens.
When: Saturday, April 21, 3 - 4p, with social time afterwards
Saturday, April 28, 3 - 4p, with social time afterwards
Sunday, April 29, 3:00pm Concert!
Where: The Commons at Bell Trace Senior Living Community (not Health and Living Community), 800 N. Bell Trace Circle, Bloomington
Who: Directed by Sandra Freund, lifelong music educator, singer, and choral director.
Open to the public. All are welcome. Singers living with dementia may attend with a care partner. Volunteer! We welcome singing volunteers of all ages, as well as assistance setting up the room, providing a light refreshment for social time, spreading the word, and participating in a post-session discernment about how to proceed with further sessions.
For further information, contact: Sandra Freund, sandrarfreund@gmail.com or (812) 332-9548. This project is sponsored in part by the Music Program of our congregation, Rev. Dr. Susan Swaney, Music Director.
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There is Still a Way to Help the
UU Goods and Services Auction
on May 6
There's still a way you can support our annual goods and services auction. Come by the Auction Table between services for the next two Sundays to sign up to bring a dessert for the luncheon on May 6th, or to bring an item for one of our four themed baskets that will be compiled by Pat Slabach for the silent auction table. Our four themes are: Everything UUB, Green Living, Mother's Day, Fix-It Handy Person. This is a great time to re-gift or contribute some new item. We need all items by 4/29 and they need to be small enough to fit into a large basket with other items.
- Sunday, May 6th....Lunch 12:30-1:45, Auction 2:00
- Childcare available (notify Ann LeDuc, connect@uubloomington.org, by 4/22)
- There's something for everyone in every price range!
- Help us SEEK THE SPIRIT, BUILD COMMUNITY and CHANGE THE WORLD!
Debbie Fish, 2018 Auction Chair
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Results of the End of Life Task Force Survey
Thank you to the nearly 200 people who responded to our online and paper survey concerning end of life issues last month. The ministers and the End of Life Task Force (EOLTF) appreciate the opportunity to learn some of your thoughts about the ways we can better cultivate end of life planning, death education and grief support in our congregation and community. The EOLTF was formed in the summer of 2017 to nurture open discussion about the end of life from a medical, legal, cultural and spiritual perspective. This survey provided us with some perspective on the needs and wants of our congregation.
Nearly 70 percent of our respondents have already created a living will or advanced directive and the same percentage of you see our congregation as having a role at the end of your life. Approximately 60 percent of you told us that you would like to see more events and opportunities for discussion surrounding death in our community, including support for end of life and memorial planning. About 45 percent responded that you would like support and education considering aging family members or loved ones with a terminal illness, and over 20 percent would like to see more education about death for children. Over 75 percent of you told us that you want spiritual support and guidance when you are dying, while nearly 60 percent of you wish for bedside support or vigiling.
Lastly, when considering the role you would like our congregation to play when someone you care about dies, 60 percent of you said you would like support from a minister, 25 percent would like support from a congregation member and roughly 40 percent would seek grief support in a group setting. Over 30 percent of you expressed interest in semi-annual community memorial gatherings to celebrate loved ones and honor the losses of our members, and over 20 percent would like there to be grief support specifically designed for children.
Many of you also shared more specific ideas and thoughts with us that we took to heart. Again, thank you all for taking the time and for your generous responses.
--Tracy Turner, for the End of Life Task Force
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UU History for You--
Yip Harburg--Freethinker, Social Activist, Songwriter
Yip Harburg (1896-1981) was born Isador Hochberg in New York City, the son of immigrants. He went to public school with Ira Gershwin, his lifelong friend. After graduation, he sold electrical appliances in the US and South America. His business failed in the 1929 crash and he went back to his first love, writing lyrics for tin pan alley musicians. In 1932, one of his shows included "Brother can you spare a dime?" which became the anthem for the Depression. He wrote hits like "April in Paris" and went to Hollywood to write the lyrics for all the songs in The Wizard of Oz, including "Over the Rainbow." His lyrics often included social commentary. He wrote Broadway shows, including
Bloomer Girl (on women's rights) and
Finian's Rainbow (on racial prejudice against blacks). He was blacklisted during the McCarthy Era, although Harburg was never a communist. He did support his friends financially when they were unable to find work. He wrote
Rhymes for the Irreverent expressing his views that he "traded the House of Worship for the Theater Stage." I met Harburg through his stepson Rod Gorney, who was a colleague and psychiatrist at UCLA. I much enjoyed Yip's wit and social conscience.
--
Elof Carlson, UUCB Historian
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It's IU Baseball and Softball Season and
the Sunday Parking is Challenging!
We have tacit permission from IU to park on the west side of Fee Lane near the ball fields on Sundays, as long as there is not a ball game in progress. Since there are a number of Sunday games scheduled this spring, we will need to be more creative than usual in our parking choices. Please consider attending the 9:15 service, or carpooling or riding your bike to the 11:15 service if it is a pretty day. Parking on Jordan is also still sometimes available when our lot is full, as well as parking at the tennis courts or at the old Church of God across the bypass. Here is a list of the remaining Sunday games this spring:
April 22nd - 12 noon softball
April 29th - 1 pm softball, 2 pm baseball
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Current Membership: 512 certified members; 527 current members.
Attendance
Sunday, April 8
9
:15
: 108 11:15: 212 TOTAL: 320
Sunday, April 15 9:15: 137 11:15: 178 TOTAL: 315
Non-Pledge Offering
April 8
$810.50 Sunday, April 15 $861.17
Total to be donated (25%) to All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center $417.92
Grocery Card Sales (Bloomingfoods or Lucky's Market)
April 8: $500, income to UUCB $25.00
Sunday, April 15: $550, i
ncome to UUCB
$29.50
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Adult Religious Education Opportunities
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Shambhala Meditation Meets Mondays at 12 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 to participate in this 2500-year-old
tradition. sflint.ktv@gmail.com
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Open Mind Zen Meets 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.
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Traditional Taiji on Saturdays at 8:00 a.m.
Brian Flaherty leads "Wu (Hao)" style Taiji in Fellowship Hall on Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. Anyone is welcome, even those with no experience. Please wear loose-fitting clothing.
creektivity@gmail.com
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UU Humanists Meet April 22
An opportunity for regular, open, wide-ranging discussions relating to ethics, human development, and the nature of the universe. The bi-weekly forum will meet next on Sunday, April 22, at 12:45 p.m. in Room 208. The discussion will be led by David Emmert on "Justice: legal and philosophical." For general questions about our UU Humanist group,
contact
Ann Watzel.
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UU Freethinkers Enjoy
Free Ranging Discussion
April 29
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 will meet next on Sunday, April 29, 12:45 pm.
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BULLETIN BOARD
RENTAL WANTED FOR RETIRED COUPLE: Retired librarian couple and future UUs moving to Bloomington in August, seeking one-floor apt or sm house to rent w/2-3 BR & 1.5-2 BA, near campus, quiet neighborhood near bus line. Up to $1200/mo. Have small older dog. We will be excellent long-term tenants. Michele McCaffrey mmccaffrey@smcvt.edu 802-654-2411 or 802-879-2795.
MUSIC STUDENT SEEKS SUMMER HOUSE-SITTING.
IU Freshman violin student seeking house-sitting arrangement for 5/5-6/29 or 5/5-7/27 so he can stay in Bloomington and continue his violin studies. Would also exchange yard or household work for use of a bedroom. Byron Fulop Laing, 503-358-0431.
NEED SOMEONE TO SUBLET HOUSE, available May 7-end of August. $600 a month. ALL utilities included: + internet. Washer dryer, full yard, and garage.
Contact Hank at henryamcdaniel3@gmail.com (812) 322-2483.
PHD CANDIDATE SEEKS HOUSING AUG/SEP Prefer single living, but also have a skillset to contribute to cohabitation that promises personal space (eg. part-time, live-in pet sitter/farmhand/etc.).-- Jason Michálek. More Info: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmichalek/, contact michalja@mail.gvsu.edu or 989-287-0915
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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@uubloomington.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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Our Covenant of Right Relations
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Livestreaming Our Sunday Services
You can view the livestream of our Sunday services and view archived video from the last few months
at this link. If you have a problem, please email Andy Beargie and Ned Joyner at
media@uubloomington.org
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Church Calendar
Office Hours: M-F 10-4
Calendar: A link to our church calendar can be found on
this page of our website.
Facebook:
Many church events also appear on our
Prologue Publication Schedule:
The deadline for articles is 10 a.m. on the date of publication, which is the first and third Tuesday of each month. Next few issues:
May 1, May 15, June 5, June 19, July 3, etc.
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Masthead photo by Jack King. "Turtles."
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