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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 on Sunday mornings
One service each Sunday at 10:15 a.m.
In person in our Meeting Room
Or watch the livestream online:
On our website | On Facebook
All are welcome!
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Masks are now optional at all church activities and events, including worship services. Coffee hour has returned to Fellowship Hall. Pandemic-related guidelines are posted on the front page of our website.
Hearing assistive devices are now available at the AV Tech booth in the rear of the Meeting Room for use during Sunday worship services.
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Wednesday, December 21, 2022
6:15 p.m.
Multigenerational Winter Solstice Celebration
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite,
Reverend Connie Grant, Stephanie Kimball,
Mary Allen Lynch
All ages are invited to join in this quiet, reflective service celebrating the returning sun. We will fully inhabit this place on our planet as we share a candlelit spiral procession and reconnect with the earth and its natural cycles.
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Christmas Eve
Saturday, December 24, 2022
7:00 p.m.
The Gifts of Christmas
Reverend Connie Grant
A traditional Unitarian Universalist Christmas Eve service with stories, carols, special music from the UU Choir and talented UU musicians, and candle lighting. What are the gifts that matter? Everyone of every age is welcome to this joyous service. Childcare will be available as well.
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Sunday, December 25, 2022
10:15 a.m.
Unconventional Stories of the Season
Reverend Connie Grant
Some quirky ways of looking at our seasonal celebrations. People of all ages are welcome! Please note: there will be no childcare this morning.
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Sunday, January 1, 2023
10:15 a.m.
Learning to Be Our Best Selves
Reverend Connie Grant
Stephanie Kimball, Director of Religious Education
What does it mean to accept ourselves as we are, while encouraging each other and ourselves to be what we may yet become? Intentions for a new day. People of all ages are welcome!
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Religious Education for children resumes January 8, 2023
- There will be no RE on December 25 or January 1, as our volunteer teachers take time off for the holidays.
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Childcare will be available for the 7 p.m. Christmas Eve service on December 24, and for the 10:15 service on January 1, but not on December 25.
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Of Snow Days and Cancellations
When local travel conditions deteriorate due to ice and snow (or extreme cold!), please check with the leader of your group before coming over for weekday meetings here at church, to be sure our lot and sidewalks have been cleared and are safe. Use your good judgment about your personal safety and please stay home if travel conditions are hazardous. Always call the church (812-332-3695) first before coming over after a snow or ice event, to be sure someone is here. We post up to date information on the front page of our website, uubloomington.org and our Facebook page. If you have a friend without easy access to the internet, you might consider being an internet buddy for them, to give them a call to let them know (as appropriate) when meetings and events at church have been canceled or postponed. --Carol Marks, Director of Administration
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Connie's Column
Blessings of the Season
Whatever mixture of feelings you may have
about whichever holidays you do or do not celebrate
at this time of year,
May you find
Moments of peace
Moments of joy
Moments of connection
with those you care about,
whether they are present or absent.
Blessings of the season,
Connie
Rev. Connie Grant
Interim Lead Minister
grant (at) uubloomington . org
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Emily's Post
Dear Friends,
We are about to undertake the spiral journey of the darkest night of the year and experience the turning of Yule. I love the celebration of darkness and light we share each year at our solstice service. This year, it will include a spell for the season by adrienne maree brown--here is just a taste:
"tonight we dream our longest dream
of the farthest future
we look in those children's faces
without regret
without shame
whispering: we will change everything for you
it is because of these dreams
that we will remember
to hibernate
to slow down to the pace of snow" --adrienne maree brown
The soon-to-begin winter season is a good time for turning inward and for resting, allowing a fallow time until the return of the spring. I hope for a time of rest and reflection for all in this season, and, as a Colorado girl at heart, I am also longing for more sun!
After our solstice celebration, I will be taking some time off and look forward to rejoining you in the new year for another favorite activity: our labyrinth. This year, the labyrinth will be available in our sanctuary Monday, Jan 2, from 10-4, Wednesday, Jan 4, from 10-4 and 6-8pm, Thursday and Friday, Jan 5 and 6, from 10-4, and Saturday, Jan 7, from 10-noon. Pencil it in on your calendar now, and stop by to begin 2023 with a time of contemplation and spiritual journeying. It would be great to see you there.
Sending my love,
Emily
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Minister of Story and Ritual
leite (at) uubloomington . org
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From Our Board of Directors
“The enemy is our chattering brain, which, if we give it so much as a nanosecond, will start producing excuses, alibis, transparent self-justifications, and a million reasons why we can’t/shouldn’t/won’t do what we know we need to do.” - Stephen Pressfield, Do the Work
The last few years have called so many things into question for many of us. [Insert your personal set of foundation-rattling, assumption-shattering events here.] Alongside this, our congregation is now called into collective questioning as we settle into this time of interim:
Who have we been?
Who are we now?
Who do we want to be?
These are big questions for us collectively, and I suspect each of us feels a parallel set of individual questions running alongside them.
Who have I been as a member of UUCB?
Who am I now as a part of this community?
Who do I want to be as we go forward?
While necessary, and potentially liberating, these questions can also be disorienting. I would encourage each of us to spend some time with them in the coming months. That said, If I spend too long in such thinking, I find myself entering “analysis paralysis.” I know I am in this mode when I start feeling anxious, rather than curious about the questions themselves. In those moments, the way out for me is to pause the wondering, and get back to the doing.
If you find yourself in analysis paralysis around your own involvement with UUCB, consider just looking for something to do:
- You’re already reading the Prologue - thank you for that! Pick one of the many opportunities listed here and just go for it!
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Check out our Social Justice page and reach out to a mission that speaks to you.
- Help us get to know you by filling out our online connections form!
- Come to Sunday Service and stay for coffee - you’ll be glad you did!
Cheers,
Drew Schrader
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Thank You From the Bottom of My Heart
Many thanks for the excellent pie and poetry party on December 11. I never saw so much pie in my life! Thanks also to everyone who put cash on the money tree, and those who left kind words of all kinds. I appreciate all this attention very much!
Where is Carol Marks Going?
Although I will be leaving my position with the church as Director of Administration as of December 31, I don’t have immediate plans to relocate. I’ll be around—at the market, at theatre events, at the opera, tromping around in the state park, reading my poems out loud here and there. I’ll be taking a break from attendance at UU Church events, possibly for as long as a year or so, but you can still say “Hi!” when you see me around, as long as you don’t need an answer to an administrative question. I won’t have those answers anymore. This absence from church activities is my choice. The Association of UU Administrators recommends an absence after leaving the employment of a congregation where one of our AUUA members has been active, but they are not specific about the amount of time that is recommended. This time away allows the new Director of Administration to develop their relationship with the congregation without the old one (that’s me) getting under foot. It also allows me the emotional distance I will need to truly let go of the responsibilities that I have held for so many, many years. I will be training the new Director of Administration during the month of December, and it’s my devout hope that I will do a good enough job that the transition will be seamless. The admin (at) uubloomington . org email address stays the same—it’s just the person responding that will change. We can use your help—please be patient and keep your sense of humor. We will be doing our best. It’ll be fine. You’ll see.
–Carol Marks, Dir. Admin. since 1992.
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Pledge Statements Recently Sent
We sent emailed pledge statements to all pledgers last Friday. The link to your pledge record will be available for a couple of weeks from that email. If you missed the email, you can always check your record at uucb.churchcenter.com/profile - click on the "My Giving" tab on your profile page to review your donation history, any recurring payments, payment methods, etc.
Calendar Year 2022 Statements Coming in January
We will send everyone an email with their Calendar Year 2022 giving record by the end of January. Any questions, please email Mandy or Monica at office(at)uubloomington.org
As a friendly reminder, church members are asked to pledge a donation of money to the operational budget of the church every year. This pledge should be of an amount that you can afford and which feels right to you! If you need any assistance updating or making your pledge, please contact the office (office(at)uubloomington.org) with your pledge amount for the remainder of the fiscal year (July 2022-June 2023) or fill out the pledge form online: 2022-23 Pledge Form. Contributions towards your pledge can be made throughout the year in whatever installments works for you - if you'd like to give online, visit our Giving page.
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Your Welcoming Energy Needed on Sunday Mornings
Help further a radically welcoming and inclusive community by volunteering on Sunday mornings! Join the mailing lists for Java Crew, Greeters, or Flame Keepers to stay up-to-date on opportunities, actively contribute to our thriving congregation, and share the joy of hospitality with fellow congregants, both old-timers and newcomers. Your help is valuable and so appreciated!
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UU Book Table Seeking New Volunteers
We are also looking for new volunteers for the UU Book Table! The Book Table is set up in Fellowship Hall after the Sunday service and is a place for browsing and buying both used and new books. If you love books and want a volunteer position where you can sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and chat with people, then this is the place for you! Sales from the Book Table support our UU Library. Contact Glee Noble at gleenoble(at)yahoo.com to join the volunteer list.
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Looking for additional ways to get involved?
If so, please fill out our online connections form so we can learn about your talents and interests. You can also sign up here for upcoming activities and events: uucb.churchcenter.com/registrations. Our Connections Coordinator, Anabel Watson, would love to connect with you! Just reach out to connect(at)uubloomington.org.
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Membership Book Signing
Sunday, January 8, 12 p.m. in Room 112
Did you attend a virtual Membership Ceremony and miss signing the Membership Book? If so, please RSVP for the next book signing coming up on January 8, 12 p.m. in Room 112. Signing the membership book is a significant symbolic act in our tradition that actively marks one's affinity with our faith. I am so grateful to help facilitate this important moment and hope you will join us. Please RSVP and/or direct any questions to Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator.
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Exploring Unitarian Universalism
January 22 and 29, 2 to 4 p.m. in the Library
Have you attended New to UU and want a deeper dive? Save the dates and sign up now for Exploring Unitarian Universalism, January 22 and 29!
Register online here.
In these small group gatherings you will dive into the UU Principles, role of the UU minister, the history of Unitarian Universalism and this church, how to get involved, what it means to be a member, and much more. Plan to attend both dates as different topics will be discussed in each session. We request completion of these sessions before becoming a member of the church. Everyone ages 14 to 100+ is welcome as well as those unable to make prior dates. Snacks will be provided!
Questions? Email Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator.
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Open Discussion on Proposed Major Amendments to the UUA Principles
Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 12 p.m. in the Library
Join us after the service - Childcare provided
Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association Bylaws includes our familiar seven principles, from #1, the inherent worth and dignity of every person, through #7, respect for the interdependent web, as well as our sources, purposes, and values of inclusion and freedom of belief. The Article II Study Commission was tasked with reconsidering Article II, and has recommended a wholesale revision which would delete the current principles, replace them with an entirely new statement, and make other important changes. You can read their three-page proposal here.
The Denominational Affairs Committee and Director of Religious Education invite you to a discussion of the proposal after church on Sunday, December 8, at Noon in our church Library. Please join us. Refreshments will be served, and childcare will be available.
Guy Loftman, on behalf of the Denominational Affairs Committee
Stephanie Kimball, Director of Religious Education
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Writing as a Spiritual Practice
A Drop-in Group with Rev. Barbara Child
Tuesdays, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
January 3 - February 28, 2023
You are invited to join me on a journey of personal exploration
through autobiographical writing in community on Zoom. Season 9 of this gathering will happen Tuesday afternoons 1:00-2:00 p.m., January 3 through February 28, 2023. You are welcome at any or all sessions with no commitment in advance. Even if you took part in one or more sessions during Seasons 1 through 8, you will need to register if you would like to attend one or more Season 9 sessions.
Stay tuned for the Zoom registration link, which will be shared in upcoming Updates and Prologues.
You may register up to a few minutes before a session begins, and will receive a link in your email immediately when you do. You need to register only once and will then be able to attend as many Season 9 sessions as you choose, using the same link each time.
Here is a description of “Writing as a Spiritual Practice” and what happens in our Zoom room on Tuesday afternoons at 1:00.
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Our Folks...
Online Conversation Series with Gladys DeVane, starting December 21, 7 p.m.
The first of a five-part series featuring author, actor, and retired college professor Gladys DeVane. While the conversation will provide a glimpse into Gladys' life, Gladys will also read excerpts from her book, Come Sit With Me: Life in Poetry, Prose and Plays. In addition, Gladys will share excerpts from her new works in progress. Finally, we will announce the guests whom Gladys will welcome next month. Sign up here for the Zoom link: Eventbrite Registration Link (Organized by Jewell Jordan Publishing)
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The Heartland String Band Rises Again!
Join us on the Third Thursday of January, 6 p.m.
The Heartland String Band, a part of our music program, was founded by Carol Marks in August of 2001, but because of Covid they have not been able to play together in a while. Sally McGuire has graciously agreed to lead this merry band beginning in January. The band will practice from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, beginning January 19, in Fellowship Hall. They play old-time and Celtic music as well as folks songs, and all lovers of this music are welcome. Dulcimers, fiddles, cellos, pennywhistles, guitars, banjos, mandolins, even accordions!
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Discover Your Inner Leader: A Storytelling Workshop
with Suzanne Fodor (For Teens & Adults)
Saturday, January 21, 10:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Registration Open Now!
Discover your inner leader through a storytelling workshop sponsored by the UUCB Leadership Cultivation Committee. Though "leadership" can seem intimidating or attached to title or position, we all have a leadership voice and practice leadership in our daily lives. In this session, we will explore times within our lives in which we led or took action. Often our leadership voice comes from the life moments in which we had the most purpose. Let’s define and discover this voice through sharing of stories and creativity. You need not be in an official leadership position at UUCB to participate -- all teens and adults are welcome. This workshop will be led by Suzanne Fodor (she/her), CPCC, PCC, Associate Director, Graduate Career Services at IU Kelley School of Business, and Executive Coach.
Limited to 20 participants, so click here to register soon!
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UU Humanists Meet Sunday, December 25, 2022
12:00 pm in person and on Zoom
The UU Humanist Forum will meet this Sunday at 12 noon in person in Room 208 at the church. To join via Zoom, contact Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren.
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UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, January 1, 2023
12:00 pm in person and on Zoom
This 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 in person in Room 208 at 12:00 pm. To join via Zoom, contact Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren.
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Tai Chi and Qigong Meets on Mondays & Saturdays, Next meetings will be January 2 and 7 in the new year
Taiji (tai chi) and qigong practices will begin again in the new year on Mondays 2:15 to 3 p.m. and on Saturdays 9 to 10:30 a.m. Brian Flaherty will lead the practices here at our church, and all are welcome. The practices are free of charge. Usually in Fellowship Hall. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. All are welcome.
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Open Mind Zen at Friends Meeting House
Open Mind Zen with UU member Sensei Frank Seisho Diaz meets weekly at the Bloomington Friends Meeting House. If you'd like to participate, visit openmindzenbloomington.org and click on the "Welcome" tab for more information.
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4th Trimester Team Seeks Volunteers to Support Families with New Babies --
In-person Training January 15
The 4th Trimester Team is seeking participants to help families with new babies. This group offers offers in-home support such as light housekeeping, babysitting, or running errands, or by being a listening ear that is heartfelt, confidential and non-judgmental. This is a social justice endeavor sponsored by the Reproductive Rights Task Force to reduce Indiana maternity deaths. Training session is Sunday, January 15, 12-2:30pm at the church. Learn more here.
To register please email 4thtrimester@uubloomington.org.
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Green Sanctuary Invites You to Join the UU Community in Zero in Bloomington
Zero in Bloomington is an initiative to help individuals and groups track their progress toward reduced emissions. When you sign up, you'll see an array of actions you can take to reduce your carbon footprint. Although this is a City of Bloomington initiative, you don't have to be a resident to participate.
Sign up today and join the UU Community group already established in Zero in Bloomington. We can then support each other by forming teams that share ideas and help keep us motivated. If you've already done everything you're willing to do, you can become a team leader and help others on their path to reduced emissions.
For support in signing up or general questions, email Zero.GSTF@uubloomington.org.
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This month's food donation is TUNA!
The UU Hunger Task Force is fishing for canned tuna during the month of December. Please drop your donations into the bins on the north side of the church and feel good about sharing good nutrition with our community. Thanks!
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Pizza Party Celebration was a Success!
A good time was had by all at the Pizza Party hosted on December 18 by our Refugee & Immigration Support & Education Task Force, celebrating the Afghan family that the Task Force has been sponsoring for a year. Young and old had fun playing corn hole and making ornaments. It was great fun watching their three-year-old pour glitter into a plastic ball next to adults who were being very creative themselves and supportive of his project. Mohammad spoke eloquently about how grateful he is for the UU church and the team of folks who have provided transportation, food, clothing, a car, lots of field trips to fun places and especially warm friendship. Deb Fish introduced each of the family members and described their favorite things. Then Pete Lenzen, the director of BRSN (Bloomington Refugee Support Network) thanked the church for 25% of the plate for this year and talked about how helpful it is when churches or individuals are able and willing to become friends with our new community members and help them feel safe and welcomed in Bloomington.
--Barb Backler, for the RISE Task Force
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Please Send Info for Prologues and Updates to the Office Email:
office@uubloomington.org
Mandy Skinner, as our new Communications Coordinator, will be in charge of editing our email publications from now on, as well as postings to our website, Facebook, etc. Oversight and proofing of these publications will still be one of the Director of Administration's tasks.
From now on, please send all information for The Prologue (sent out on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays) and The Friday Update (sent out every Friday) to office@uubloomington.org.
Please also note new timing for submissions to the Prologue:
By 10 am on the day BEFORE the date of publication would be most helpful. Thank you!
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Grocery Gift Cards Now Available for Sale on Sundays
Office Assistants Monica Overman or Mandy Skinner are available to sell grocery gift cards on Sundays between 11:15 and 12:00 noon in the church office, Room 204. To check on how many cards we have on hand, click here. Proceeds from the sale of grocery gift cards for Bloomingfoods and Fresh Thyme support our operating budget.
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COVID-19 Vaccination News
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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 a member of our staff or one of our 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.
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: January 3. Deadline is 10 am the day before date of publication, to office (at) uubloomington.org
Church Mailing Address: UU Church,
PO Box 8132, Bloomington IN 47407. Please don't mail items to the street address; our street mailbox was recently destroyed by vandals and we won't be replacing it.
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Details on Membership & Offering
Membership: 561 certified members as of 2/1/2022;
560 current members.
Attendance (online and in person):
November 20: 166
November 27: 158
December 4: 190
Non-Pledge Offering:
December 4; $501
December 11: $749
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 Bloomington Refugee Support Network: $312.59
Grocery Card Sales: (Bloomingfoods or Fresh Thyme) $300 ; Total income to UUCB: $15
Free Money from Kroger!
Fresh Thyme and Bloomingfoods
Grocery Cards Available by Mail or In Person on Sundays
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Did you know that Kroger sends our congregation 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 by mail. Click here to see what kind of cards and how many are available. Send your check to the church (UU Church, PO Box 8132, Bloomington, IN 47407) 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 a return envelope. We also have grocery cards available on Sunday mornings between services, in Room 204 from 11:15 to 12 noon.
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Our Ministers & Staff
Reverend Connie Grant, our Interim Lead Minister
- Email grant (at) uubloomington . org, 847-840-8542
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, our Minister of Story and Ritual
- Email leite (at) uubloomington . org
Carol Marks, Director of Administration: admin (at) uubloomington . org
Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator: connect (at) uubloomington . org
Monica Overman, Administrative Assistant: office (at) uubloomington . org
Mandy Skinner, Communications Coordinator: office (at) uubloomington . org
Stephanie Kimball, Director of Religious Education: kimball (at) uubloomington . org
Susan Swaney, Music Director: music (at) uubloomington . org
Andy Beargie, Hans Kelson, and Brady Egan, Multimedia Managers:
mediateam (at) uubloomington . org
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Masthead photo by John Woodcock. | | |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana
Mailing address: PO Box 8132 Bloomington, IN 47407
uubloomington.org | facebook
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