Is your Prologue getting clipped short in your email inbox? Follow the above link, or make sure you click "View entire message" at the bottom of your email, to read the whole newsletter.
August 17, 2021
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana
  Congregation founded 1949 | LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation since 1995 | Green Sanctuary since 2007
Seeking the Spirit | Building Community | Changing the World
Join us for online services
Livestreamed on Sunday mornings at 10:15 am
Sunday, August 22, 2021
10:15 am Livestream
Pseudo-Community and the Real Thing
Reverend Barbara Child
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
 
Reverend Child went to England a few years ago to teach a short course for British Unitarian ministers on some practices in common use here but unknown there. What happened, however, was that she learned as much as she taught, and what she learned was as much about our American Unitarian Universalist congregations as about British congregations. This morning all will be revealed.
Upcoming on September 5:
Intergenerational Water Communion:
Celebrating Possibility
A Call for photographers!
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite is creating this service and is diving deep (shallow?!) into the possibilities for a different Water Communion focused on the image of the puddle. If you have any photographs of puddles or have the opportunity to take some before August 30, please send them to Reverend Emily at leite(at)uubloomington.org for the celebration.
AND get ready to explore the mud!
Zoom Virtual Coffee Hour
On Hiatus for August
Because relatively few members have been taking advantage of the Zoom virtual coffee hour after the livestreamed Sunday service in recent weeks, we are suspending this activity for the month of August. If it seems like it would be helpful to a larger number of people later this fall, we can certainly start it up again. Thanks to everyone who has participated!
This Sunday's Greeter Orientation is Cancelled.
The Greeter Orientation for this Sunday, August 22, has been cancelled because our building status is currently Restricted Access. See the NEST article in this issue, or the front page of the church website for more information.
IMPORTANT Update from NEST Working Group

Updated Pandemic Guidelines
The NEST (Next Steps in Transition) Working Group continues to work to ensure the safety of our congregation, staff, and ministers during the pandemic. Here is an update from NEST.

Important highlights: The metrics subcommittee has developed a five-level classification of risk that maps onto the classifications published by Covid Act Now.

Our current building status is RESTRICTED ACCESS, which is defined below.

  • Our building is now closed.
  • Small groups of 5 or fewer may meet in the church building, with advance notice, if their work cannot be accomplished elsewhere.
  • Ministers, staff, and a few Board members have some access to the building.

As the Covid situation changes, the NEST Working Group continuously works to stay abreast of the changes and reevaluate applicable safety protocols.

If you have questions about the work of NEST, please email Jane McLeod, jmcleod (at) indiana.edu.

Office Hours at the Church Suspended for Now
As of this week, our staff has discontinued keeping regular office hours at the church building, due to the increase in Covid infection rates in Monroe and the surrounding counties. They continue working from home, and may occasionally stop by the church for brief visits. Staff contact information is at the end of this email. The building is now closed for meetings, as we are on Restricted Access at this time.
-- Carol Marks, Church Administrator, admin(at)uubloomington.org, 812-287-9615
Emily's Post

Dear Friends,

Once again, we are moving into a time of the deeply unknown. With the resurgence of Covid and the delta variant, our planned regathering for worship may not happen as soon as we hoped, or maybe it will. Either way, it is time to touch ground--to visit our sacred space if you are near enough to do so. The ministers are planning for the creation of a shared sacred space in our sanctuary throughout the week of August 30-September 4. You will be invited to sign up for your own time to visit and to reflect on our months apart and all that has happened for you in pandemic times.

Our sacred space will have four quadrants to contribute to:

Things that we have given up that we don't want to start again.
Things that we gave up that we hope to do again when we are able.
Things that we have started during the pandemic that we don't want to continue.
Things that we have started or hope to start during the pandemic that we would like to keep on doing.

You can bring artifacts (that don't need to be returned), offer words, or create artwork for any of these. I hope you might have time to think about your pandemic experience in the coming days, and will watch for the sign-ups so you can come and co-create this sacred space together. If you live far away and would like to contribute, you can email me to offer words or make arrangements to send artwork or items. My new email is leite(at)uubloomington.org.

Sending you love for the ongoing journey,
Emily
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Minister of Story and Ritual
MAM Musing

On Sunday, August 8th, I shared some of the insights from a video created by UUA Staff member Reverend Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe, who happens to be a Hoosier, so you really need to listen to what Sunshine has to say (said the Hoosier Senior Minister). This video reminds us that our faith communities have gone through, and are going through, a traumatic and erratic time as a result of Covid, which is having an impact on our physical, emotional and mental functioning. 

I mentioned the phrase Covid Brain, which is what we experience as fuzzy thinking during this time, and which also gives a whole new level of meaning to the comic strip Get Fuzzy.  I also shared about the confusion we all seem to be having about what day of the week it is, and I commented, “Every day is Blurrsday”. Congregation member Melinda Swenson responded with these, “Someday. Noneday. Whoseday. Whensday. Blurrrsday. Whyday. Doesn’t matter Day”.

Because I found Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe’s nine-minute presentation to UU leaders so compelling, I wanted you all to have a chance to hear it too. While it is mainly addressed to UU leaders, staff and ministers, I believe we can all relate. Click here for the video.
 
Sunshine also provided these things to consider--what I see as the nuggets from this presentation:

  • Some of our people may have past trauma that is being triggered
  • It takes a lot more energy to do "normal" tasks
  • People's sense of time can be distorted
  • People have a harder time taking in information, so we need to communicate more often (think 4 times as often) and in as many different ways as possible
  • People are going to want to go back to the "old normal"
  • When we are back meeting in person and it isn't the "same," people will experience a kind of unraveling
  • People will be feeling tired, depressed and exhausted, including the leaders
  • It will take five to ten years for congregations to heal
  • Avoid a sense of urgency and take your time. Spaciousness. Spaciousness.

I value the concept of spaciousness as a way to approach this year.  In fact, I recently bought a spacesuit to remind me and all of you. Spaciousness. Spaciousness. Non urgency. Watch for me floating by the pulpit. :-)
 
Peace and Love,
MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Senior Minister
Our Folks...
We send healing thoughts to Rev. Bill Breeden, who is recovering at home from recent back surgery and is feeling much better. Care cards sent to him at home are welcome.
From Our Interim Religious Education Consultant

Dear UU Church of Bloomington,

Transitions are always challenging, and your current transition in religious education professionals is complicated by the uncertainty of the pandemic. I am an interim consulting religious educator who will journey with you this year. My role is to be present, to hear your stories, and to hear your dreams for the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington’s lifespan religious education future. Once a month, I will be with you in person for a long weekend. During the rest of the month, I will be with you virtually from my home in Galena, Illinois, where I live with husband, high-school age daughter, 3 dogs and 2 cats. I love the energy and passion you bring to Unitarian Universalism. Thank you for your presence and your gifts. I look forward to getting to know you better. 

Dr. Michele Townsend Grove
Building Community
Welcome to Our Newest Members!
On Sunday, August 8, we welcomed five new members into our congregation. They are:
Anne Clark, Mary Craig, Madison Colquette, Maria Latham, and Rebecca Scott. When you have a chance, please give them a warm welcome! Below is the first installment of bios to help you get to know our new members. -Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator

Madison Colquette grew up in the South before making her way to the Midwest, the Northeast, and now to Bloomington. She is the dramaturg and department archivist for IU Theatre & Dance and enjoys stories and storytelling of all varieties, gardening, cooking, and moon-gazing with her partner, Jayne. Madison was introduced to Unitarian Universalism in New London, Connecticut, and is delighted and grateful to now join UU Bloomington.
Mary Craig grew up in Oberlin, Ohio. She met her husband, Markus Vodosek, at an opera festival in Germany, and the two have lived across the U.S. and Germany. Previously a UU member in Portland (OR), Ann Arbor, and Salt Lake City, Mary is active in church music. Before arriving in Bloomington (six months ahead of the pandemic), Mary and Markus lived with daughter Miriam for nine years in Germany's southwestern wine country. Mary’s work as an editor/translator/poet/educator travels with her. As does the family cat, Sam.
Maria Latham grew up around St. Louis, Missouri. She earned a graduate degree in Classical Studies from IU in 2018 and now works on campus for the Classics Department and the Individualized Major Program. Maria enjoys reading, discovering new music, cooking for old and new friends, solving crosswords, working out at the Y, and taking many, many naps.

UU Choir is Starting Up!
The UU Choir started rehearsing again (outdoors with masks on!) on August 12, and because of current public health conditions, things are likely to change quickly. If you would like to participate in Choir, it is important for you to be on the Choir email list to get the latest news on rehearsals. To be included, please contact Dr. Susan Swaney our Music Director at music (at) uubloomington.org.
Please Make Your Pledge Today!
It's not too late! We are encouraging everyone who has not already done so to make a financial pledge to support our congregation for the coming year. Click here for the online pledge form.

Online Church Directory Coming Soon
In the next week or so, you will receive an automatic email from Planning Center, our database, to invite you to participate in our new online directory. Please respond to that email when you receive it, so that we can make the directory available soon!
--Carol Marks, Church Administrator, admin (at) uubloomington.org, 812-287-9615.
Music by Janiece Jaffe and Krista Detor 
on Friday, August 27 at Switchyard Park!
Meet us in Switchyard Park on August 27 for two great free concerts by Janiece Jaffe and Krista Detor, starting at 6 PM. Look for the "UUs Meet Here" sign.  
Mark your calendar for this and other great UU meet up opportunities!  For all the details, click here.

UUCB’S Extraordinary SPLASH PARTY
SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, September 4, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Everyone is invited to come and celebrate the end of summer and the opportunity to be together here at church in the courtyard. This will be a fun relaxing event with activities for all age groups. Here are just a few of the planned activities:
-- Water Balloon Toss -- Sponge Dodge Ball Pull -- Water Color Painting
Social Distancing will be practiced. If you would like to DJ during the party of volunteer to help in other ways, please contact Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator, connect (at) uubloomington.org. For other questions, please contact office(at)uubloomington.org.
UU Online Book Club Reads
"Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship With A Remarkable Man" 
Discussion on September 6
The UU Online Book Club meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 PM via Zoom. Their next book is "Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship With A Remarkable Man" by William Shatner with David Fisher, and will be discussed on September 6 at 6:30 PM. In this powerfully emotional book, Shatner tells the story of Leonard Nimoy, a man who was his friend for five decades, recounting anecdotes and untold stories of their lives on and off set, as well as gathering stories from others who knew Nimoy well. If you would like to join the book club, use this link to register for the Zoom meeting: UU Book Club Registration. Special thanks to CJ (in Australia) who will lead the September discussion.   
Planning for UU Bazaar 2021
The UU Bazaar will be held Dec 3 and 4, 2021. We are anticipating and hoping for a hybrid bazaar with some in-person sales and festivities and some online sales. Time will tell as we plan for this year. 
We plan to have some old favorites in person: the gourmet galaxy, the cookie cruise, quality collectibles and our booths by the task forces. So please save your used books and collectibles to donate. 
Unfortunately, we are unable to incorporate the artisans and maintain safe distances. We will welcome the artisans back next year. There will be links on this year's bazaar site to the websites of the artisans for your convenience. 

Bazaar Gourmet Galaxy
As you harvest your garden this year, save a jar for the Bazaar. We want your jams, your jellies, your pickles, your chutneys. All these will be part of the gourmet galaxy of treats at the Bazaar. 
We also have some persimmon pulp from last year, if you want it before this year's pulp is ready. Contact Ruellen Fessenbecker rfessenb (at) indiana.edu or call 812-837-9550.

Changing the World
Female Builders Needed for
Habitat Women Build in September
Once again, a UU & friends team will participate in the annual Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County Women Build. Our team needs 12 more builders, as of Aug. 10, to complete our 35-member team, which has raised more than $5,270. On Sept. 29, we are putting up siding and installing trim and interior doors on two homes. We are one of 12 teams from all over the community who will participate from September 17 to October 2.
 
We are building homes for Casey Vallee, a scuba diver and instructor, and Aldo Zempoaltecatl Xicali, an El Ranchero server, and Damaris Diaz, who cares for their children, Amaya, 3, and Mateo, 1. (See their photos, below.) Each adult homeowner must contribute 250 hours of sweat equity before buying their home with a no-interest loan.
 
Any female 16 years and older can participate on our team, and no experience is necessary. Crew leaders will provide instruction. Women builders also finance construction materials and infrastructure by donating and/or fundraising a minimum of $300 each. Generous UUers have donated some funds to help builders reach their goals. To join our team, co-led by Barb Berggoetz and Lauren Bryant, or donate funds to the team or an individual member, go to: https://www.classy.org/team/364543 by Aug. 26. Please help us complete our goal this year of raising at least $10,000!
--Barb Berggoetz and Lauren Bryant, Habitat Task Force co-chairs.
Join the Fun at Bloomington Pridefest
Saturday, August 28
Represent UUCB in our Pridefest booth on August 28. This is a great way to experience Pridefest. It's really easy too! Plus, it's outdoors, and that makes it safer! Sign up here, and see all the details. Questions? contact Ann LeDuc at connect(at)uubloomington.org


Defend Voting Rights and Work on Redistricting Reform
Barbara Edmonds spoke movingly at the Women's Alliance meeting on August 5 about the need for us to defend democracy by working to preserve voting rights. An animated discussion followed. We learned that there are some good resources and suggestions for ways we can help with this at the Monroe County League of Women Voters website.
Refugee/Immigrant Support and Education Task Force
Sponsoring Asylum Seekers
Our task force's current project is to work with St. Paul’s Catholic Church and Pete Lenzen, who is on the board of the Refugee Support Network (formerly Bloomington Refugee Support Network) to sponsor asylum seekers who are in our country legally. We want to free an individual or family from one of the detention facilities at the Mexican border and bring them to Bloomington. Below is a chart that spells out what help we need.  Please choose the tasks you can help with, and then send that information to Barb Backler at bbackler(at)gmail.com.
Good News for Songbirds, (but Don't Put Up Your Feeders Yet!)
Although the Indiana DNR has not yet lifted its ban on backyard birdfeeders, the songbird illness that had been prevalent ever since the emergence of the Brood X cicadas seems to be subsiding. Here is a link to an article quoting avian experts at Cornell University. Thanks to Judy Allensworth for alerting us to this news.
Seeking the Spirit
UU Humanist Forum Meets Sunday, August 22,
12:45 pm
Every other Sunday at 12:45 pm, our UU Humanists meet together online on Zoom for discussion. On August 8, Sandy Dolby, Jason Michάlek, and Rich Janda will lead a discussion on "What the Bleep are we talking about?" Email Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren if you would like to join the discussion.
UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, Aug 29, 12:45 pm
The UU Freethinkers bi-weekly meeting creates the opportunity for participants to raise questions and engage in open and non-structured discussion of issues of social, political, and theological/religious concern. Every other Sunday via Zoom at 12:45 pm. To join, contact Harold Ogren or Ann Watzel.
Shambhala Meditation Online on Mondays
Every Monday at noon online, or anytime it's easy, since there are saved sessions, you can join Sarah Flint in this 2500-year-old practice of cultivating peace and inner wisdom. Contact Sarah Flint to join the group in real time. On Facebook at UU Bloomington Meditation.
Open Mind Zen Online 
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Open Mind Zen with Frank Seisho Diaz is currently holding away from our building. If you'd like to participate, visit openmindzenbloomington.org and use their contact page for more information.
Writing as a Spiritual Practice (Season 5)
A Drop-in Group with Rev. Barbara Child
Starts September 7
 
You are invited to join me on a journey of personal exploration
through autobiographical writing in community on Zoom.
We will meet every Tuesday afternoon 1:00-2:00 p.m.
September 7 through October 26.
 
Even if you took part in one or more session during Season 1, 2, 3, or 4, you need to register for Season 5 by clicking HERE.
You need to register only once, and can then attend as many Season 5 sessions after that as you choose. The link will stay the same for each session. You may register up to a few minutes before a session begins.
 
Here is a full description of “Writing as a Spiritual Practice” and what happens in our Zoom room on Tuesday afternoons at 1:00.
Rev. Barbara Child
Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
COVID-19 Vaccination News -
Vaccines for Age 12 and Older!
Some Details
Email SCAM Alert
Our ministers, staff, and board members or other members will never send you email asking you for any money besides your pledge payment!

How to Recognize an Email Phishing Scam:
Is the email impersonating Rev. Macklin or another of our staff or ministers? Are they asking you to purchase gift cards? Wait! Don't do it! We will never send you emails like that. To double check, look at the email address of the sender. Is it from an address at uubloomington.org? If not, that's the second good reason to delete it!

Office Hours, Calendar, Deadlines

Office hours: M-F, 10 am-4 pm. Our building is on Restricted Access right now, so staff is working from home.
The Church Office can be reached via text or voicemail during office hours at 812-287-9615. Email: admin (at) uubloomington.org or office (at) uubloomington.org

Calendar: For our full calendar of events, visit uucb.churchcenter.com/calendar.

The Prologue is published on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Next issue is
September 7. Deadline is 10 am on date of publication, admin (at) uubloomington.org

Mailing Address
During the pandemic:
UU Church, PO Box 1158, Nashville, Indiana 47448-1158.

(Items mailed to 2120 N. Fee take 3-4 weeks on average to be forwarded by the Postal Service! So please use the PO Box instead of the street address!)
Details on Membership & Offering

Membership: 574 certified members as of 2/1/2021;
571 current members.

Non-Pledge Offering: 
August 8:  $122
August 15: $46
To make a contribution for the Non-Pledge Offering (Sunday Plate), or to make a payment towards your pledge, click on this link to get to our new Giving page: uucb.churchcenter.com/giving
  Total to be donated (25%) to The Nest childcare center at New Hope Family Shelter: $42.00
Grocery Card Sales: (Bloomingfoods or Fresh Thyme) $400; Total income to UUCB: $20
 
Free Money from Kroger!
Fresh Thyme and Bloomingfoods
Grocery Cards Available by Mail  
  
  • Did you know that Kroger sends us over $1,600 each year? This is made possible by those of you who participate in Kroger's Community Rewards program. Register your Kroger Plus card online at this link.
  • We are also still selling grocery cards for Bloomingfoods and Fresh Thyme. Click here to see what kind of cards and how many are available. Send your check to the church (UU Church, P. O. Box 1158, Nashville, Indiana 47448-1158) with a note to let us know the type and value of card(s) you want, and we will mail them to you. You do not need to send an envelope. Orders are received in Nashville, but fulfilled in Bloomington. (smiley face)  
Our Ministers & Staff

Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, our Senior Minister
  • Email macklin (at) uubloomington.org, Mon, Weds, Thurs. 812-322-0205

Reverend Dave Clements, our Interim Minister
  • Email clements (at) uubloomington.org.

Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, our Minister of Story and Ritual
  • Email leite (at) uubloomington.org

Reverend Barbara Carlson, our Minister Emerita
  • Email barbaracarlson5 (at) gmail.com or call 812-822-0243. 
 
Reverend Bill Breeden, our Minister Emeritus 
  • Email breeden1949 (at) gmail.com or call 812-360-1779.
 
Carol Marks, Church Administrator: admin (at) uubloomington.org, mobile 812-287-9615
Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator: connect (at) uubloomington.org, mobile 812-720-3688
Monica Overman and Mandy Skinner, Office Assistants: office (at) uubloomington.org
Michele Grove, Interim Religious Education Consultant: grove (at) uubloomington.org
Stephanie Kimball, Religious Education Assistant: rea (at) uubloomington.org  
Susan Swaney, Music Director: music (at) uubloomington.org.
Andy Beargie and Hans Kelson, Multimedia Managers: media (at) uubloomington.org


Masthead photo by John Woodcock.
Photo by Marcia Hart.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, IN