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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana
Congregation founded 1949 | LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation since 1995 | Green Sanctuary since 2007
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Seeking the Spirit | Building Community | Changing the World |
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Join us for online services
Livestreamed on Sunday mornings at 10:15 am
Limited In-Person Attendance
Advance Registration Required Each Week
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Sunday, September 26, 2021
10:15 am Livestream
Autumnal Zigzag
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Dr. Michele Grove
First, I am not talking about the rolling-paper smoking accessory, Zig-Zag; that Zigzag has a hyphen and it is not the focus of this worship service, the hyphen or the paper. Second, I am speaking about zigzag as a motion—when particles or objects or people make sharp angles known as zigzag motions. This zigzag motion can abruptly change a sermon or worship service, especially if one encounters The Space Time ContinUUm in the process of its creation. Third, I love the word autumnal and it gives me courage to speak about a world full of beauty and terror.
Lastly, our pianist, The Gift formerly known as Ray Fellman, will offer special music full of heart and soul within the Space Time Continuum.
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Virtual Coffee Hour Returns!
During the months of August and half of September we took a break from offering Virtual Coffee Hour. We are going to try it again. Here is the link to register to attend. Virtual Coffee Hour is a time to connect with other members and friends of UUCB via Zoom following the Sunday Service. Please invite your friends! If we have fewer than 5 participants for several Sundays in a row, we may cancel this event.
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Sunday, October 3, 2021
10:15 am Livestream
Dystopia Smorgasbord
Reverend Bill Breeden
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
See the October 1 Friday UU Update for details!
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Office Hours at the Church Are Irregular--
Limited Building Access
Our staff is not keeping regular office hours at the church building, due to the current Very High risk level of Covid infection in Monroe and the surrounding counties. They continue working from home, and may occasionally stop by the church. Staff contact information is at the end of this email. See the NEST working group update below for details on Limited Building Access. Carol Marks, Church Administrator, admin(at)uubloomington.org, 812-287-9615
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MAM Musing
Autumnal Greetings to one and all. The 2021 autumnal equinox arrives Wednesday at 3:21pm EDT; we honored this turning of the season in our worship service last Sunday, a time when daylight and the darkness of night are equal. It is a time to seek balance.
In 1989, I was interviewed and hired by youth of this congregation to be a youth facilitator for Young Religious Unitarian Universalists. This group of youth were a gallant lot. They infused the word earnest with a whole new level of meaning. Even when they were “pushing me to see if I was real”, they remained connected to their values. Over the years, I’ve received feedback that this group of youth learned from me. Over the years, I have become aware of how much I have learned from them. I distinctly remember how deeply inspired they were by the film oyaanisqatsi (English: /koʊˌjɑːnɪsˈkɑːtsiː/), also known as Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance. This 1982 experimental film was produced and directed by Godfrey Reggio with music composed by Philip Glass and cinematography by Ron Fricke. We were able to watch this documentary together and the film spoke volumes, even though there are no words. Godfrey Reggio explains:
"It's not for lack of love of the language that these films have no words. It's because, from my point of view, our language is in a state of vast humiliation. It no longer describes the world in which we live." In the Hopi language, the word Koyaanisqatsi means "life out of balance".
Again, this film, a visual tone poem, was created in 1982 and addresses technology, nature and the human species impact on the balance of our planet earth.
As we watched together, I felt the concern of these youth for their future as well as that of our mother earth. Their concern became my concern. Where do we begin in a world and life out of balance? I believe we first must nurture balance within ourselves.
In last week’s worship service, we offered a poem and meditation on balance. Allow yourself to reclaim the earnest passion of youth, whatever your age, as you practice this meditation inspired by words from Joseph Jastraub from the Earthrise Foundation:
Feel the weight of the following things as described—feel the weight in opposite palms, as we lean in to these questions:
Are these things in balance? What weighs too heavily on my life?
The world of self the world of others
World of soulful darkness world of shimmering light
World of quiet restfulness world of courageous action
The world of joy the world of sorrow
The world of fluid heart the world of formal mind
All of time past all of time yet to come
Where are you feeling out of balance in your life? What is one thing you can do today to restore that balance?
Bring your palms together and enter this present moment.
Peace and Love, Mary Ann
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Senior Minister
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Emily's Post
Dear Ones,
On Sunday we celebrated the Equinox, naming and feeling grateful for wonderful things that are emerging in our lives and acknowledging connected losses. We imagined those things emerging as butterflies, finally fully formed, pushing their way into the world. They are whole and beautiful and… in need of mud puddles.
I am back this week in that mud-puddly place—feeling wordless and unformed.
It seems appropriate to be here at this beginning time of our congregational year, as we draw near the end of our month exploring Possibility, though it is an awkward space from which to write a Prologue column!
This is a good space of Possibility—staying in unreadiness, being right there with it until something emerges—the something I cannot name right now. So I’m fully dwelling in this place, ready to learn and grow again. Maybe you’re there, too: embracing Possibility.
Sending love,
Emily
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Minister of Story and Ritual
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Watching the World of Lifespan Religious Education Unfold
Dear friends and family of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington,
I hope this issue of The Prologue finds you well and in good spirits. There are still many community and global challenges that we face each day, and I am sure that are feeling its effects wear on your body and spirit. We are thinking about you as you discern the ways you wish and need to engage with the church community.
As you may know, this is a year of discernment for lifespan religious education. I have already heard wonderful stories about great learning experiences within the children and youth religious education program as well as throughout the entire congregation. I cannot wait to hear more stories and bring folx together for opportunities to dream about your lifespan religious education future. Watch for these opportunities as they unfold beginning in October.
In the meantime, here is some exciting news! There are many things already unfolding, and I hope you will join us as you feel called to do so.
1. Drumroll please……. (You cannot see this, but I am actually throwing confetti as I write this)
Welcome to Stephanie Kimball as she begins as the new Religious Education Coordinator for the congregation. This role expands her responsibilities and hours and provides space for Stephanie to put her experience, vision and leadership to work for children and youth religious education. As you read about the Sunday morning Spirit Play class occurring once a month and the outdoor classroom work party, and you will see Stephanie’s unique vision and leadership at work. Thank you, Stephanie, for your work over the past 2 years and thank you for being a part of this new, expanded vision.
2. Our Whole Lives (OWL). Even though we have walked into developing our OWL program slowly, we are moving to a program roll out. In the next week, watch for information on an OWL program for 8th and 9th grade students. We will focus on 8th/9th grade this year while also developing the foundation for a 7th/8th grade program to start in the fall of 2022. This is the plan that will help us catch up from missing the opportunity to have a middle/high program last year.
3. Sometime in October, watch for information about adult religious education. We are not ready to roll out programming, but we are ready to gather interested folx to talk about what a solid, sustaining program would look like within the core values of the congregation. These conversations will be places to dream and explore about the possibilities, and you are welcome to join us.
As I write this article, I find myself excited to join these conversations. I hope you will join in and share your experience and ideas while listening to others who bring wealth and diversity to the table.
Take care, dear friends and thanks for your commitment to this congregation
and Unitarian Universalism,
Michele Grove
Interim Religious Education Consultant
605-237-1319
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Creating Stepping Stones Work Party Date changed to September 25
Creating Outdoor RE Spaces: Tour & Work Party
Saturday, September 25, 2-4 p.m.
For our children’s safety, we are planning Outdoor RE experiences this fall. You’re invited to tour the spaces we’ll be using and hear about our plans for developing them into truly special places. This will also be the kick-off to our series of work parties to make this transformation happen! There will be projects for all ages and abilities, including the creation of our first batch of stepping stones.
Raindate: Sunday, September 26, 2-4pm
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Spirit Play
Sunday, September 26, 10-11:30 am
Children of all ages are invited to join us for Spirit Play outside, in the Woods! Meet in the Courtyard at 10 am and we'll walk together to our emerging outdoor “classroom.” Dress for the weather, and please wear a mask.
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NEST Update -- Ensuring Our Safety During the Pandemic
The NEST (Next Steps in Transition) Working Group continues to work to ensure the safety of our congregation, staff, and ministers during the pandemic. We recognize that each congregant must weigh safety from Covid exposure with their spiritual need to gather in person.
Current building and in-person Sunday worship service attendance:
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Currently in-person attendance is limited to 50 registered participants each Sunday. Registration for Sunday Service will open nine days before the service and close at 5:00 PM on the Saturday before at this link: https://uucb.churchcenter.com/registrations. If in-person service is cancelled, registered attendees will be notified via email, signs will be displayed on outside doors, and a note will be published in the Friday Update. Detailed information can be found here.
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For meetings other than Sunday worship attendance, our church building status is LIMITED ACCESS, which is defined here.
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 at jmcleod(at)indiana.edu.
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There is Room for You at In-person Sunday worship!
Have you been missing in-person church attendance on Sundays? If you feel the need to attend in-person, you can sign up via this link: https://uucb.churchcenter.com/registrations All the details and safety information are on the sign up. Please read the details carefully, because a lot has changed.
When deciding whether or not to attend in-person services, please take into account your health risk factors and that we cannot ensure that all participants are vaccinated. Childcare and Children's Religious Education (RE) will not be available every Sunday, although there is outdoor RE this Sunday. If you have questions or difficulty registering, please email office(at)uubloomington.org.
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Farewell to Rev. Dave
Today, September 21, 6:30 pm
The Board reminds us of two opportunities to share farewells and appreciations for Reverend Dave Clements, both in writing and through Zoom:
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We encourage you to share expressions of appreciation in writing through this online form: Farewells to Rev. Dave. We will collect and share your notes with Dave as one means by which to commemorate his time with us.
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If you prefer to communicate with Dave more directly, we will be hosting an informal Zoom farewell session on Tuesday, September 21, from 6:30-7:30 pm. You can access this meeting at the link below:
Meeting ID: 818 6619 4888
Passcode: 731498
We hope you will take advantage of one of these means to let Rev. Clements know that you appreciated his service with us.
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Hike with us this Saturday!
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Enjoy Small (mostly outdoor) Gatherings in October!
One thing many of us have learned during this pandemic is that social interactions (preferably in-person) are extremely important for our overall well-being. Several of our awesome congregation members have volunteered to host small (mostly outdoor) gatherings in October, while the weather is still reasonable. Register today to attend a wonderful small group gathering!
These gatherings are truly a gift!
-Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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Represent UUCB at Spencer Pride October 16
This is an easy and fun volunteer opportunity. Pride attendees will stop in at our tent, and take a pamphlet about our church. Volunteers mostly offer a friendly smile. In the past, some Pride attendees have asked questions about where the church is located, or have told us about the UU church they attended elsewhere. We hope you will join us! Sign up here
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UUCB Check-in:
Safety and Engagement Questionnaire
Dearest Members and Friends,
We miss you. We also know that many, if not all of you, have felt somewhat distanced from the congregation as a result of the pandemic.
While we have heard from a number of you through various channels, we want to reach out to discover how everyone is doing as we enter a new church year, beginning in September.
We will rely on your completion of the questionnaire to understand who we are as a congregation, as well as the wellbeing of each of you.
We look forward to hearing from you!
With well wishes and blessing,
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, Senior Minister
Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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Chalice Circles Small Group Ministry
Signup Continues through September 26
There are still opportunities for people to sign up to join a Chalice Circle! Registration is open until Sunday, September 26 at 10:00 p.m. We are providing the link to registration below. For details about Chalice Circles, click here.
If you have questions, please contact Anne Haynes (812-360-2619) or Jan Armstrong (812-278-8711), members of the Chalice Circles Executive Team.
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Plans Underway for On-line December Bazaar
The Bazaar Committee has decided that the best way to proceed with this year's bazaar is with an on-line bazaar. Plans are underway to provide the Bazaar web site for you to load your offerings, and then for the sale. Keep planning your baking for Cookie Cruise and Gourmet Galaxy. Save your quality collectibles. Stay tuned for more precise instructions.
I'm sorry to say there will not be a book sale this year.
We are looking forward to seeing you on-line in December!
Ruellen Fessenbecker, for the Bazaar Committee
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UU Choir Rehearses Thursdays
in the Courtyard
The UU Choir continues to rehearse with masks on, outdoors on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., weather permitting. 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.
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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.
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UU Online Book Club Reads An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States
The UU Online Book Club meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 pm via Zoom. On October 4, they will discuss An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. Our Interim RE Consultant Michele Grove will lead the discussion.
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UU Habitat Task Force Supports Women Build
For the past several years, Habitat Task Force members have worked hard to help financially sponsor a Habitat for Humanity home.
We raised about $16,500, somewhat less than our goal due to impact of COVID. But when we saw this fall’s Women Build needed funds to reach its $200,000 goal (the cost of materials), we voted to donate $16,000 to help close the gap.
We hoped the house would be in Habitat’s new Osage Place neighborhood on the southwest side, which is where the two Women Build houses are being built from Sept. 17 to Oct. 2.
We want to thank the many UUs who supported our Easter breakfasts, coffeehouses, bake sales, Holiday Bazaars and other events. You’ve helped make this significant gift possible! Team leaders Barb Berggoetz and Lauren Bryant also organized a 35-member UU & friends Women Build team, which has raised $15,700, a record amount for our UU teams. We will build on Sept. 29, putting up siding, doors and trim. To participate, each member has to donate or raise at least $300. But most have raised more, up to $1,000. Generous women who aren’t building, including nine UUs and four others, donated $2,775 to support builders’ fundraising.
We have been blessed with everyone’s support of Habitat’s mission of helping provide local people with safe, decent homes they can afford to buy.
--Barb Berggoetz, for the Habitat Task Force
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Report from 2021 UUA General Assembly Delegates
UUA General Assembly (GA) is the annual gathering and business meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association, of which our church is a member. The UUA is a voluntary association of 974 autonomous, self-governing UUA churches and fellowships.
2021 GA was held virtually for the second year in a row, and this congregation was represented by Reverend Dave Clements, Iris Kiesling, Connie Loftman, and Guy Loftman.
We conducted the business of the UUA, such as bylaw review, Board and Officer elections, and financial management. In addition, a lot of time and thought was given to social witness, or social justice.
(1) Defend and Advocate with Transgender, Nonbinary, and Intersex Communities;
(3) Stop Voter Oppression and Partner for Voting Rights and a Multiracial Democracy.
We also heard reports of the ongoing Article II Study Commission. This Commission has been charged with proposing a revision of the Article II bylaw to the UUA Board in January of 2023, which will include the “essence” of the 8th principle.
To find out more about the Article II revision, the 8th principle, and details of the above referenced resolutions, please see uua.org.
Please consider being a delegate at the 2022 GA, June 22 - 26, 2022 in Portland, Oregon, which will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual participation. Based on our current membership, we are entitled to 12 delegates. Youth and young adults are particularly encouraged to attend. Financial support from the congregation for delegate registration costs is available.
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Fall Diaper Drive
with the Reproductive Justice Task Force
Did you know that 57% of parents experiencing diaper needs who rely on child care said they missed an average of four days of school or work in the past month because they didn't have diapers? One of our UU youth, Mojo, created a video about the issue with more facts which you can watch here. Through the end of September, s upport our local diaper bank at All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center with a donation: Help All-Options provide crucial mutual aid (Select "Apply My Donation to: Hoosier Diaper Program")
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Writing as a Spiritual Practice (Season 5)
A Drop-in Group with Rev. Barbara Child
September 7--October 26
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.
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Even if you took part in one or more sessions 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.
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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
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UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, Sept 26, 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 Ann Watzel.
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UU Humanist Forum Meets Sunday, October 3,
12:45 pm
Every other Sunday at 12:45 pm, our UU Humanists meet together online on Zoom for discussion. Email Ann Watzel if you would like to join the discussion.
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Monthly Life Stories Writing Group
Welcomes New Members --
Next Meeting Thursday, October 14
Thinking about writing a story from your life? We invite you to join the monthly life writers, a supportive group that meets on the second Thursday of every month from 3 to 5, on Zoom. Attendees usually read short excerpts from work in progress. If you are new, it’s fine to just listen and ask a few questions. To get your Zoom invitation for October 14, email John Woodcock at woodcock (at) indiana.edu.
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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.
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Open Mind Zen Online
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Open Mind Zen with Frank Seisho Diaz is currently holding meetings away from our building. If you'd like to participate, visit openmindzenbloomington.org and use their contact page for more information.
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Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
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BCS to present
Considering Matthew Shepard
Sat, October 9, 7:30 pm & Sun, October 10, 3:00 pm
Buskirk-Chumley Theater
Saturday's performance will also be livestreamed
On October 9 and 10, 2021, Bloomington Chamber Singers will perform Considering Matthew Shepard, Craig Hella Johnson´s powerful reflection on the events surrounding the 1998 beating and death of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student in Wyoming. Tickets available at the BCT Box Office or online. $25 general admission, $20 students with ID, and $200 for groups of 10. For more information: www.chambersingers.info
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COVID-19 Vaccination News -
Vaccines for Age 12 and Older!
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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 Limited Access right now, so staff is mostly working from home and for a few hours from time to time in the building.
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
The Prologue is published on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Next issue is
October 5. Deadline is 10 am on date of publication, admin (at) uubloomington.org
Mailing Address
During the pandemic (which is still now):
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! Yes, this is still true as of 9/21/2021. --cm)
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Details on Membership & Offering
Membership: 574 certified members as of 2/1/2021;
569 current members.
Non-Pledge Offering:
September 5: $340
September 12: $353
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: $173.25
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
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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.
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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)
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Masthead photo by John Woodcock. |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, IN
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