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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
Please note: June 19 through July 31
we will hold one Sunday service only, at 10:15 a.m.
Livestream:
We are also meeting in person in our Meeting Room.
All are welcome.
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Hearing assistive devices are now available at the AV Tech booth in the rear of the sanctuary for use during Sunday worship services.
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Pandemic Guidelines from NEST
Masks Required Inside the Building
The NEST (Next Steps In Transition) working group met on Monday, May 9. In response to multiple indications that the Covid-19 infection rate is increasing in Monroe County, including new wastewater data, the working group has decided that masking will be required in the church building until the situation becomes clear. Use this link to view the new wastewater data. When viewing the data, click on the three dots on the right hand side of the date column and choose "sort descending." The column to look at is "gene copies per 10ml."
Current Sunday Worship Guidelines for In-person Attendees:
- We expect all who are able to be vaccinated.
- Masks are currently required.
- Coffee Hour will be held in the Courtyard this Sunday.
As always, each individual must decide what is right for them and whether or not to attend activities in person. We reserve the right to revise these guidelines in response to changes in COVID risk levels.
Warmest regards,
The NEST Working Group: Jane McLeod, Abby Gitlitz, Michele Grove, Stephanie Kimball, Judy Klein, Dan Lodge-Rigal, Sarah Sanchez, Melinda Swenson and Rev. Bill Breeden.
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A Final Event and Celebration with Reverend MAM
Saturday, June 25, 6pm and 7:30pm
Splash of the Sacred Potluck Picnic and Pool Party
Join our Senior Minister, Reverend Mary Ann, for one last evening of fun and fellowship before she departs.
- 6:00-7:00 p.m. Potluck Picnic at Woodlawn Shelter—beverages, plates, cups, and flatware will be provided. Bring a favorite dish to share!
- 7:00 p.m. Communal Clean up
- 7:30-8:30 p.m. Splash of the Sacred Pool Party at Bryan Park Pool—We have reserved an hour of pool time just for our congregation! Come to swim, ride the water slide, or just hang out and chat around the pool.
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Sunday, June 26, 2022
10:15 a.m.
In person and Livestream
Line, Circle, Spiral
Dr. Michele Townsend Grove
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Our lives travel in many directions and follow many paths. Our congregational life is no different. Join Dr. Michele Townsend Grove for worship on June 26th as we reminisce about this past year and explore some of the many paths UU Bloomington's lifespan religious education future may take. No path is a single line. We will explore these paths understanding that the paths of our lives are sometimes straight lines, sometimes circles and sometimes spirals.
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Sunday, July 3, 2022
10:15 a.m.
In person and Livestream
Reverend Bill Breeden
Details about this worship service will appear in the Friday Update on July 1.
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MAM’s Musings
Gentle Reader,
I enter this space of writing in deepest gratitude for all that has been created and completed in order to allow my quest for honorable closure to near its end with this congregation. Thanks to everyone who participated in making the previous weekend of farewell and celebration one to remember. From the Macklin Invitational to Personal Tributes and from Star Trek Amazement to music, memories, and marvelous munchies, the generosity of this congregation continues to inspire me. Of note, I am reading your farewell messages one, each day, at a time. As I lift each note out of the magical box you gifted me, I smile. Meanwhile, ministry is full of joys and sorrows, challenges and celebrations, confusion and clarity, emptiness and fullness. Thank you for sharing all with me. Me? I feel myself moving toward June 30th with a sense of completion.
HERE’S THE THING, because of course, there needs to be a thing: IF there is some characteristic or quality of mine that you will miss when I am gone, I submit, that said characteristic or quality is within you. I submit that you recognize said characteristic or quality in me---because it is in you. I invite you, then, to bring forth said characteristic or quality in to this congregation once I have gone. You honestly can do that. You’ve got this. Plus, Jung would be proud. It will be an ongoing offering… or offertory.
Lastly, as a gift to you, I offer this sermon from 1965 in which Violet (Cookie) Lynch recounts the history of this congregation. Church Administrator Carol Marks rightfully suggested we scan this sermon so you can view it in its original form. AS you vision toward your future, remember the past lay leaders of this congregation. Remember that the people were and are the building blocks. Remember the spirit that has taken this congregation forward through calm times and tempest, in sickness and in health, in stride and in stumbling, in blessing, in sanctuary. Keep growing and changing. Seeking the Spirit. Building Community. Changing the World.
I love you. Please forgive me. If necessary, I forgive you. Thank you. You are welcome. Good Bye.
Peace and Long Life,
MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
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We need you to keep the coffee flowing!
We need additional volunteers to help with coffee and tea on Sunday mornings. Volunteers replenish supplies before coffee hour starts (about 11:15 AM), during coffee hour (11:30-12:15 AM), and clean up afterwards (12:15 AM-12:35AM). Please note the new coffee hour times due to our temporary switch to one worship service. Java Crew questions? Contact Marlin Howard at howardm(at)indiana.edu Sign up here to keep the coffee flowing!
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Sign up to Greet on Sundays
Whether you have been a Greeter in the past, or are looking for a new volunteer opportunity, you are invited to sign up to greet on Sunday mornings.
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Help Keep Our Candles Glowing!
All are welcome to join the Flame Keepers. Children under the age of 16 will be asked to serve with a parent or guardian. If you haven't been a Flame Keeper in the past, we will provide a short tutorial for you before you serve.
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From Reverend Macklin: Checks for UUCB Stolen
We Have a New Bloomington P.O. Box for Pledge Checks
In mid-May, several checks that were mailed to the church were stolen, then cashed or deposited fraudulently. If you mailed a check to UUCB in May, and have not yet received an email confirming that UUCB received it, please contact your bank to see if the check has cleared. If the check was stolen, your bank will need to initiate an investigation. We have reported this incident to the US Postal Service. We expect that all these funds will be refunded to the check issuers by their banks, and that the church will not suffer any loss due to these thefts. For those with online access, we also encourage you to use our online giving page at uucb.churchcenter.com/giving, to make sure your gifts are safely received by the church.
For those who prefer to send paper checks, we have rented a new PO Box and we request that pledge checks be sent there and no longer sent to our Fee Lane address.
Here is where to send your pledge checks:
UU Church
PO Box 8132
Bloomington, IN 47407
Of note, the church's PO Box in Nashville has now been closed.
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About Pledge Statements Recently Emailed
We sent emailed pledge statements to everyone on Friday, June 17, and we want to clarify that, although they indicated how much you have paid on your 21-22 pledge as well as on your 22-23 pledge, we don't expect folks to contribute towards their 22-23 pledges until after July 1. Please let us know if there are discrepancies between your records and ours. We are especially concerned that we may not have received some paper check donations in the middle of May, when apparently some of the church's mail was stolen at some point in the mailstream. Please contact office(at)uubloomington.org or 812-287-9615 for questions or corrections, and thank you for supporting the mission of our congregation!
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Religious Education Updates |
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We’re Hiring!
Are you interested in joining our childcare team? Applicants should be prepared to work on 2-3 Sundays per month, from 8:15 am to 12:45 pm.
Additional hours during the week will vary. Rate of pay is $13/hour. Please contact Stephanie Kimball (kimball(at)uubloomington.org) if you are interested or have any questions.
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From the UU Hunger & Homelessness Task Forces
Donation Suggestions for Beacon (Ongoing collection) - donation bins are at the Portico entrance on the north side of the church:
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Legacy Circle Testimonial from Veda Stanfield:
Steve and I recently updated our wills and our advance medical directives. That process has a way of focusing one on the important priorities. Besides wanting to provide for our grandchildren and continue to support some social justice organizations that we have been heavily involved in for decades, we wanted to bequeath a percentage of our resources to Bloomington UU. The statement that “We are seeking the spirit, building community and changing the world” is what we know and love about UUCB. We want that to continue past our physical presence here.
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UU Hikers next hike: Thursday, June 23
On Thursday, June 23rd, join the UU hikers for a 2.2-mile morning hike on the stunning Amy Weingartner Branigin Peninsula Preserve. Since only 7 parking spaces are available, car pooling is advisable. We're starting early to beat the heat! Meet at Bloomingfoods East at 8:15 AM to carpool to the preserve. Or: Meet at the trailhead at 8:30 AM. We will be back at Bloomingfoods no later than 11 AM.
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Are you new to UU Bloomington? Join us on Sunday, July 3 for a short introduction.
If you are new to our congregation, a very warm welcome to you! On Sunday, July 3, at ~11:35 am to 12:15 pm you are invited to join in a brief online introduction to Unitarian Universalism and this congregation. Just click on this link at 11:35 AM on July 3 or join us in person in the church library. Madison Colquette, a member of our congregation, will facilitate this short introduction. If you have questions, you are always welcome to email the Connections Coordinator at connect(at)uubloomington.org.
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Women’s Alliance, July 7, 11:30 a.m. via Zoom
General Assembly Update
All are welcome to join the Women's Alliance on Thursday, July 7th, via zoom beginning at 11:30 a.m. Come hear about results of 2022 General Assembly held in Portland, Oregon. Nineteen UUCB delegates attended virtually and in person. Hear about the changes taking place in our Association, critical topics being discussed, and learn what other congregations are doing. Among the presenters are Stuart Yoak , Barb Backler, Dan Wiseman, and Madison Colquette. The formal program and QA begins at 11:45. The zoom code is 892-5381-3567. Password 160510. See you there!
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UU Online Book Club Discusses Search: A Memoir with Recipes, Monday, July 11, 6:30 p.m.
Search: A Memoir with Recipes by Michelle Huneven, will be discussed on Monday, July 11, at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to join the book discussions, sign up here. The UU Online Book Club meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Please note the July 11 date so as not to meet on July 4. If you have questions email
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Online Directory Photos
With the recent and upcoming arrival of new staff and members, we are encouraging all to upload a profile photo to the UUCB online directory. This can be done by going to the "profile" section of Church Center (accessible by clicking HERE) and clicking on the circle with your initials in it. You will then be prompted to upload a picture from your computer. If you have any difficulties with this, or find this request particularly daunting, please don't hesitate to email a picture of yourself to connect(at)uubloomington.org and I will add it to your profile! More detailed instructions will also be available in the near future.
~With gratitude, Anabel Watson
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UU Humanist Forum Meets on Zoom
Sunday, June 26, 12:45 pm
On Sunday, June 26, the UU Humanist Forum will meet via Zoom at 12:45 p.m. The discussion will be led by Jason Michálek on "Social Implications of Conocimiento." Email Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren if you would like to join the discussion on Zoom.
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UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, July 3, 12:45 pm
on Zoom
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 in person and via Zoom at 12:45 pm. To join the discussion on Zoom, contact Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren.
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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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Bulletin Board
LOOKING FOR temporary yard work help. Mostly weeding, cultivating, possible mowing. $20/hr for two hours per week, maximum 4 weeks. Call Barb at 812-322-8210.
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How to Reach the Administrative Staff
Church Administrator Carol Marks can generally be reached at 812-287-9615 or admin (at) uubloomington.org.
Office Assistants Monica Overman or Mandy Skinner are in the church office Room 204 on Sundays, 10-1. They can also be reached at other times, below.
Office Assistant Monica Overman, T, Th, 10-1, Friday 12:30-3:30, 812-322-5546, office (at) uubloomington.org. Working from home.
Office Assistant Mandy Skinner, M, W, F, 10:30-1:30, 812-340-9981, office (at) uubloomington.org. Working from home.
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Nashville P.O. Box is Now Closed - New P.O. Box Open in Bloomington
We have closed the church's P.O. Box in Nashville and have now rented a P.O. Box at Woodbridge.
The new P.O. Box number for the church is:
UU Church
P.O. Box 1832
Bloomington, IN 47407
If you prefer to send paper checks to make contributions towards your pledge, please use this P.O. Box address for added security.
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COVID-19 Vaccination News
Vaccines for Ages 5 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.
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
July 5. Deadline is 10 am on date of publication, to admin (at) uubloomington.org
Church Mailing Address: UU Church,
2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington, IN 47408.
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Details on Membership & Offering
Membership: 561 certified members as of 2/1/2022;
563 current members.
Attendance:
June 5: 185
June 12: 348
Non-Pledge Offering:
June 5 $1,096
June 12 $1,221
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: $579.25
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 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, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington, IN 47408) 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.
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Masthead photo -- Pipevine swallowtail butterfly, by Marcia Hart |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, IN
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