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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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Tomorrow morning! A chance to learn more about our Congregational Read
Race, Caste, and Inequality: A Conversation with Isabel Wilkerson
Wednesday, Feb 17, 2021 at 9:30 am - Register here for the Zoom link
A conversation on race in America with an international perspective. Isabel Wilkerson will be joined by J. Kameron Carter, a specialist on race and religion in the United States, and Charu Gupta, a leading scholar in India on caste discrimination and gender. Hosted by the Office of the Vice President for International Affairs at Indiana University and the IU India Gateway in New Delhi. Learn more here.
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Join us for online services
Livestreamed on Sunday mornings at 10:15 am
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Sunday, February 21, 2020
10:15 am Livestream
The Central Task of the Religious Community
Reverend Dave Clements
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
“The central task of the religious community is to unveil the bonds that bind each to all. There is a connectedness, a relationship discovered amid the particulars of our own lives and the lives of others. Once felt, it inspires us to act for justice. It is the church that assures us that we are not struggling for justice on our own, but as members of a larger community. The religious community is essential, for alone our vision is too narrow to see all that must be seen, and our strength too limited to do all that must be done. Together, our vision widens and our strength is renewed.”
-Mark Morrison Reed
We invite you to join us as we describe and explore the tasks of a beloved community.
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Sunday, February 28, 2021
10:15 am Livestream
Beloved Community
Reverend David Pyle, UUA MidAmerica Region
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, UUCB
The communities we seek to build as Unitarian Universalists are fundamentally different than many of the other communities we are a part of, because we invite people to invest their deepest values and beliefs while asking these same people to center one another in the journey. Reverend David Pyle, Regional Lead for the MidAmerica Region, will share how working with soldiers within the Moral Injury and Soul Repair framework informs his ministry with Unitarian Universalist congregations who seek to build Beloved Communities.
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Early Bird Coffee Hour
Bring your coffee and join us at 9:15 am to relax with friends before the service. Click on this link to register for the early bird coffee hour and receive the Zoom link.
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Connect with our UU Community during Virtual Coffee Hour!
Everyone is welcome to join us after the worship service, until 12:30 pm, for engaging conversation in Virtual Coffee Hour.
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Our Building is Closed, but Our Hearts are Still Open.
To do our part to disrupt the spread of coronavirus and COVID-19 in our community, our building is likely to be closed through May 2021. Our Board of Directors will review this decision at each monthly board meeting.
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Mortgage Balloon Fundraiser Productions Available to View until February 28th -- Sentences and Fire In My Bones
Our Mortgage Fundraiser raised $35,000 plus. Amazing. Due to snail mail, we are still receiving donations, as well as percentages going to New Leaf, New Life and Spencer Pride.
Again, apologies to those for whom technical difficulties interfered with your watching the two Friday evening performances. The good news is you can still view them at the links below!
Here are the links to the two programs that were part of our Fundraiser:
1) Resilience Productions Sentences: From the Pen to the Page by Glenda Breeden, Phillip Stroud, and Gladys DeVane.
2) Fire in My Bones: A Meditative Opera by Deborah Phelps and Mary Ann Macklin, directed by Steve Krahnke. Cast includes Jake Woolen, Susan Swaney, Ray Fellman, Sonja Rassmusen, Kit Boulding and more.
Enjoy! Share! Gratitude!
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MAM's Musings
We are continuing to celebrate making the final mortgage payment on our church building, which is due March 2nd. Thank you all. Our very successful fundraiser will also benefit New Leaf, New Life and Spencer Pride. During the livestream for Fire In My Bones, there were five of us present in the building. I want to share with you what one of these folks noted:
During the intermission at our recent fundraiser and virtual screening of Fire in My Bones, Rev. Mary Ann Macklin spoke from the pulpit. I was there as a volunteer; from my seat at the back of the sanctuary, all those empty chairs looked a lot emptier—and eerier—than they do on the live-stream at home.
But here's what was really stunning to see: Reverend Mary Ann wasn't talking to an empty room. She was speaking to the congregation. Her awareness of, and connection to, the people watching from home was palpable. I've never seen anything quite like it. It explains for me the strength with which our ministry team is leading our congregation in this strange territory of virtual worship. When Reverend Mary Ann, and other ministers, speak from my screen at home, they are speaking to me. And to you. To us. There is still an us. I am grateful to have witnessed how vividly that us is honored, held, and nurtured by our ministry team in an anything-but-empty room.
It is true. There is still an us. Bless our souls. There is still an us.
In peace and love,
Mary Ann
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
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Time for Clearing Out...
By Rev. Dave Clements
One thing that I have learned during these past 10 months is the importance of clearing out spaces and in one way clearing out our lives. Our theme this month is Beloved Community. How can we begin to build a beloved community if we don’t spend some time dealing with those issues, events, and feelings in our lives that have stopped us from moving forward? Perhaps it is a relationship that has gone bad with a family member. It is now time to reach out and begin to rebuild that relationship. There is that thing that you have always wanted to try; it could be creating a piece of art, trying a new recipe or starting a committed exercise program. Now is the time to do that without delay.
As you begin to clear out your lives and look to improve relationships, try new things, and begin an exercise, you are taking the first step to building a beloved community. We must tend to our own issues first and take care of ourselves so that we can reach out to others. Take this time to begin a new hobby, repair a frayed relationship, or try a new recipe. When you begin to clear out your own life, you can begin to find room to be present for others. May you take on the challenge to do something for yourself this month.
Rev. Dave
Reverend Dave Clements
Interim Minister Consultant
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Our Folks. . .
A memorial service will be held for Mallory Kuhl via our livestream page this Saturday, February 20, at 1:00 p.m. Mallory died at age 31 from a medical emergency in mid-December.
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UU Singles Tuesdays, Tonight and March 2nd
We are a group of single adults within the UU Bloomington community who meet occasionally for various kinds of events. We'd love to have you join us! We'll be meeting tonight, February 16, and again Tuesday night, March 2.
Tuesday evening, February 16:
* 6 to 6:30 p.m., hellos, intros, check-ins
* 6:30 to 7:00 p.m., breathing workshop with Cynthia Bretheim
* 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., any follow-up conversation
We'll have our usual check-ins from 6 to 6:30, followed by Cynthia's workshop, and then any follow-up questions or conversation. Cynthia says if you have a clock with a second hand, and/or a piece of paper for a note or two, that might enhance your experience.
Tuesday evening, March 2:
* 6 to 6:30 p.m., hellos, intros, check-ins
* 6:30 to 7:00 p.m., a conversation about pianos with Liz Rochow
* 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., any follow-up conversation
We'll have our usual check-ins from 6 to 6:30, followed by a presentation by Liz about her piano-tuning work and how she got into it, along with photographs, and then any follow-up questions or conversation.
If you are not already on the UU singles e-mail list (where the Zoom link is published), please email Marie Deer or call her at 812-391-0900.
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New! UU Online Book Club -- Join us on March 1 at 6:30 pm via Zoom
This month's book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson, will help us dive into February's congregational theme of Beloved Community. If you are interested in joining, please sign up here for the Zoom link: UU Book Club Registration. -- Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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UUA MidAmerica Region Offers
Virtual Spring Leadership Training
Online leadership classes will be offered this Spring to members of MidAmerica Region congregations. These classes will be held on Saturday mornings March 6, March 27, April 17, and May 8, from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm. Click here for more info and registration. The cost will be $150, or half off ($75) for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Trans, Non-Binary, and Young Adults. Scholarships may be available by contacting Dan Wiseman, Leadership Cultivation Committee Chair at connect1947(at)att.net. Participants are required to provide a note of recommendation from either a minister or president of our Board. Questions? Contact Dan Wiseman, or Ann LeDuc at connect(at)uubloomington.org.
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Exploring Unitarian Universalism Online!
March 14 and 21, 3:00 to 5:00 pm
Click here to register. These small group gatherings are a great opportunity to learn about the UU Principles, our ministers, the history of this church, all the ways to get involved here, and what it means to be a member of the church. Plan to attend both dates, since different material 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! Questions? Email Ann LeDuc at connect(at)uubloomington.org or call Ann at (812)720-3688.
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Visit with the Connections Coordinator via Zoom
Now on Fridays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Join the Connections Coordinator, Ann LeDuc, on Zoom Friday afternoons. Ask your questions, or just visit. Newcomers and current congregation members are all welcome to drop-in. Additional ways to contact Ann are via email at connect (at) uubloomington.org or phone at (812) 720-3688.
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The Church Administrator is Away During February
Carol Marks, our Church Administrator, will be away February 1 through February 28. Please contact our office assistants via talk or text at 812-287-9615 Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are also available at office(at)uubloomington.org.
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25% Sunday Plate Fund: Nomination Process for 2021-2022
Applications available March 1
Application deadline April 15
The process for nominating our next local non-profit agency to receive 25% of Sunday non-pledge plate collections is approaching. An application form with guidelines will become available on March 1, 2021 for those who would like to nominate an agency to receive the funds from July 2021 – June 2022. The application deadline will be April 15th, after which the Social Justice Funds Committee (SJFC) will choose three nominee finalists for the congregation to vote on at the spring congregational meeting on June 6th.
Our contributions to the current recipient, Monroe County United Ministries Compass Early Learning Center, is $3814 in the first two fiscal quarters (with 2 more quarters to go!). The total donated to Volunteers in Medicine, last year’s recipient, was $8323! What local non-profit agency would you like to see be our next recipient?
Those who submit applications must be able to meet the following obligations: (1) contact the agency you support to gather the information necessary to complete the application. If among the three finalists chosen you will need to (2) provide a 200 word written information on the agency to be published in the May Prologue; (3) arrange for written materials to be sent electronically to the church in May to be used online, and (4) arrange for a two minute video of your presentation so that we can play it during the livestreamed service on June 6.
Be watching for further announcements. Contact Denise Ogren, SJFC Chair, at uucbsjfunds (at) uubloomington.org with any questions.
The Social Justice Funds Committee: Denise Ogren, Anna Beauchamp, Steve Mascari, Jay Sissom, Sarah Kopper. Advisors: Jackie Hall and Bill Breeden.
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Help Keep Beacon Winter Shelter Open
Concerned Bloomington community quickly came together to create the Beacon Winter Shelter. Now it's up to us to keep it open. Click here for information about how you can help. Please note: If you are w riting a check, make it payable to "Beacon, Inc." and mail it to the address provided in the link above. Or donate via Beacon's PayPal page. This is not a fundraiser for our Homeless task force, but an encouragement for people to support the shelter directly.
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Shalom Community Center Welcomes Donations of Tents and Sleeping Bags
Until the end of March, Shalom Community Center guests would really appreciate the donation of tents, sleeping bags, coats, hats, blankets, socks, and gloves, as well as macaroni, coffee, and hygiene supplies. Donations may be left in the bins, under the portico at the church. Donations are collected every day. -- Alan Backler, for the Homelessness Task Force
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Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force
Collecting Kitchen Items for New Hope for Families
For JANUARY & FEBRUARY our food drive will focus on New Hope for Families. We often think of food for those in need, but we overlook kitchen items that enable people to COOK the food. For a list of needed items, click here. -- Mary Blizzard, for the Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force
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COVID-19 Vaccination News
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Standby Waitlist for Unused Vaccinations: Click here for information about joining a standby wait list for possible unused doses of vaccine at the end of a vaccination clinic day.
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Anyone in Indiana age 65 or older can now sign up for the Covid-19 Vaccination. Click here to register or call Area 10 Agency on Aging at (812) 876-3383.
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UU Humanist Forum Meets Sunday, February 21, 12:45 pm
Every other Sunday at 12:45 p.m., our UU Humanists meet together online on Zoom for discussion. Email Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren if you would like to join the discussion.
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UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, February 28, 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 p.m. To join, contact Harold Ogren.
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Writing as a Spiritual Practice (Season 3)
A Drop-in Group with Rev. Barbara Child
Tuesdays, 1-2 pm, Jan. 5 through Feb. 23
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. January 5 through February 23.
Here is a description of “Writing as a Spiritual Practice” and what happens in our Zoom room each Tuesday afternoon at 1:00.
–Rev Barbara Child
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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 all meetings online. If you'd like to participate, visit openmindzenbloomington.org and reach out via their contact page for more information.
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Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
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Support Groups offered online through the Endwright Center
Leon Olenick is a Board Certified Chaplain who has been engaged in hospice and hospital Chaplaincy for thirty years. Leon is an ordained Rabbi and his knowledge and experience reaches out to all religions and extends to all cultures. Questions about programs through the Endwright Center? Email Na’Kia Jones. Visit their website for a complete calendar and more information: area10agency.org/endwright
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Lunch with Leon: Bereavement Group, Every 2nd Friday from 12-1 pm. This group is for those who have suffered a loss. Your loss can be a loved one, a relative, a pet or loss of mobility or lifestyle. Together we will share our stories in a confidential, safe manner and help each other heal in body, mind and spirit. Here is the Zoom link to join - Meeting ID is 815 9157 4917 and passcode is 123.
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Lunch with Leon: Coping with COVID and Its Aftermath, Every 3rd Friday from 12-1 pm. Our lives have changed with the COVID-19 virus. We are unable to meet in person, unable to hug those we love, and unable to travel except in our hearts. In spite of these challenges we will endure. Please join as we speak about facing these obstacles and strengthening our lives and legacy. Here is the Zoom link to join - Meeting ID 815 9157 4917 and passcode is 123.
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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 or help with the Balloon Payment! And never in the form of gift cards.
How to Recognize an Email Phishing Scam:
Is the email impersonating Rev. Macklin or another 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 (office closed at church, but staff 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
Carol Marks will be on leave February 1-28 for study and relaxation, but Monica Overman and Mandy Skinner will pick up her calls and emails while she is away.
The Prologue is published on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Next issue is March 2. Deadline is 10 am on date of publication, admin (at) uubloomington.org
Mailing Address
During the COVID emergency:
UU Church, PO Box 1158, Nashville, Indiana 47448-1158.
(Items sent to 2120 N. Fee take 3-4 weeks on average to be forwarded by the Postal Service!)
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Membership and Attendance
Membership: 574 certified members;
574 current members.
Attendance
Sunday, January 31, 10:15 am - 535 attended virtually
Sunday, February 7, 10:15 am - 427 attended virtually
Non-Pledge Offering:
January 31: $245 February 7: $895
To make a contribution for the Non-Pledge Offering (Sunday Plate), or to make a payment towards your pledge or the Minister's Discretionary Fund, click on this link to get to our PayPal page: bit.ly/UUCBdonate
Total to be donated (25%) to Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM) Compass Early Learning Center and Self-Sufficiency Center: $285.00
Grocery Card Sales: (Bloomingfoods or Fresh Thyme) -- $0; Total income to UUCB: $0
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. We received $451.75 from Kroger for the months October through December from this program.
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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 a SASE.
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Masthead photo by Marcia Hart. |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, IN
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