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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
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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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Guidelines from NEST as of January 30, 2022
The NEST (Next Steps in Transition) working group met on Sunday, January 30th. Upon further review of the most current scientific evidence regarding differential risks for vaccinated and unvaccinated persons, and to best serve our congregation, it was decided that we will open for in-person worship service attendance starting on Sunday, February 6.
Please read the new guidelines below since they have changed.
NEW Sunday Worship Guidelines for In-person Attendees:
- Vaccination, including the third dose booster, against Covid-19 will be required.
- N95, KN95, or double masking will be required.
- We will continue to maintain social distancing.
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Pre-registration for worship services will not be required.
- Quiet singing in worship services will be allowed.
For a complete list of current guidelines, including guidelines for in-person meetings, please click here.
As always, each individual must decide what is right for them when deciding whether or not to attend activities in-person.
Warmest regards,
The NEST Working Group: Jane McLeod, Abby Gitlitz, Michele Grove, Judy Klein, Ann LeDuc, Dan Lodge-Rigal, Sarah Sanchez, Melinda Swenson, and Reverend Mary Ann Macklin.
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Sunday, February 20, 2022
10:15 a.m. Livestream & In Person
Beginning Again--Community Building
Reverend Bill Breeden
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Beginning Again--Community Building is always a work in progress, and sometimes it seems we are starting over. Let us strive to do so with love.
No registration required for Sunday in-person attendance.
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Our Folks...
Our sympathy and healing thoughts are with Jim and Monica Overman and their family, upon the passing of Jim's youngest brother Richard (Rick) Overman, of Indianapolis, who died last Thursday morning, February 10.
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Covid Memorial Visiting Hour
Sundays, 12 noon-1 p.m.
Each Sunday, for the next several weeks, we will be opening our sanctuary to those who would like to visit our Covid Memorial Installation. This is an opportunity to be in the presence of the numbers we have written so far, sharing a time of silence and reflection. Those who would like to may light candles of memory, write numbers, record the name or names of loved ones who have died of Covid, or sit or move among the columns of numbers as you are so moved. A minister or pastoral care team member will be present.
In keeping with our current guidelines for gathering, visitors are expected to be fully vaccinated and also boosted if you are over 12 years old. Please wear an n95 or kn95 mask. If you do not have one, one will be provided.
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From Rev. Bill
The sun is shining, the temperature's rising and the snow and ice are melting away. I don’t know about the groundhog, but I am looking forward to spring and all things warm.
As we begin the exploration of how to return to a new abnormal, I hope we can remember the warmth of this community and know in our hearts that decisions are being made with the best of intentions and the best of our understanding of the situation in which we now live.
There are differing opinions as to the best responses to the Covid pandemic, but I hope we adhere to that old adage that has been around the Unitarian Universalist Community for centuries: “We don’t have to think alike to love alike.” Whether it should attributed to Francis David or to John Wesley is another one of those matters of opinion, that really doesn’t matter at all. What matters is the we respect one another, and have faith that we are acting on our best understanding and love for the community with malice toward none. I believe the day shall come when we can fill our sanctuary again, but until then, know that we hold one another in love and respect.
—peace, Rev. Bill
Reverend Bill Breeden
Minister Emeritus
PLEASE NOTE: A reminder that Reverend Macklin will be away February 15 through March 15, and Reverend Breeden will be working full-time in her absence. He is available for pastoral care and other ministerial needs during this time. His email address is breeden1949 (at) gmail.com, phone 812-360-1779.
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Emily’s Post
Dear Friends,
The sun is shining, the air is warming, the snow is melting, and omicron is waning. Dare we hope that spring is "just around the corner", as Frog's father tells him in Arnold Lobel's beloved Frog and Toad story ? In that tale, Frog spends a day seeking the corner that spring is just around, and being disappointed again and again. It reminds me of these years of living through the pandemic--of believing that we are just about to turn the corner, then finding it is not yet, and still, not yet. It can be exhausting to have our hopes raised and dashed over and over again, and you may be feeling that exhaustion as we are approaching this new corner. It is hard to hope again--maybe even foolish. And also essential. If we stop going around the next corner, a new season will never come.
So when you are ready, I hope you'll come on around the corner and, if you are local, head on over to our 10:15 am Sunday service. Weekly children's classes are starting up again, too.
Hope to see you soon!
Emily
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Minister of Story and Ritual
Important Covid Memorial Installation Date:
Mark Your Calendars for March 23rd
This past week, Reverend Emily Manvel Leite started to work with a group of local religious leaders on a service to acknowledge two years of living in pandemic times. This has been a time of tremendous change, loss and upheaval for everyone, so we invite you to mark your calendars now to join us for a reflective time in person or online on Wednesday, March 23rd, from 6:30-7:30pm in our Unitarian Universalist sanctuary. On that date, we will gather our several communities together to bear witness to the losses and also learnings we have experienced collectively and as individuals in this strange time. We would like to have as many of the Covid numbers recorded there as possible, so we are making a particular push to write more of them in the coming month. If you are able to help with the writing, please sign up here as we prepare to remember all that we have experienced in these times.
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Widening the Circle Food Drives
This month, we are hoping to widen the circle of people in our congregation who donate non-perishable goods. If you have been giving, please keep on giving to support our ongoing collections for Beacon and Shalom Center -- click here for the list of needed items.
Join us for two new collections during February:
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Donate to support a local Afghan family, sponsored by our Refugee Task Force: Click here for a Grocery List. (Collection box near Portico)
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Donate to our Widen the Circle collection for March distribution to local Little Free Pantries: This week we're collecting PROTEINS AND CHUNKY SOUPS: peanut butter, canned chicken & tuna, beans, canned stews and soups. (Collection at Sunday services and near Portico)
Watch the Friday Update for each week's focus item(s)! We will be creating a circle of our donations in the Meeting Room each Sunday--help us draw that circle wide and wider still--each week expanding as we work together.
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Message from Michele Townsend Grove,
interim religious education consultant
One of my favorite South Dakota memories is the lake. Each season, the lake took a new form and we discovered new ways to be in relationship with it. This photo is me on Lake Traverse with Tiberius and Athena. My husband calls this photo “South Dakota Iditarod.”
In some ways, it may be fair to say that we have been ‘wintering’ the pandemic because just like winter, we have sheltered and protected ourselves from the environment. Occasionally, we venture out to explore, knowing that there are risks.
Maybe (just maybe), we are coming into our Pandemic Spring. Maybe the risks will lessen enough for us to come out of our shelters and gather in community! UU Bloomington is planning for this. Worship has more in person options and religious education programs will begin on February 20th for ages 4-13. It is exciting to think about being together in community every week!
There are opportunities for volunteer staff. Do you have the passion and bandwidth to be a part? You do not have to be a parent or caregiver to participate because our children and youth benefit from all leaders. Please take a moment to complete this survey to let us know where you can share.
Michele Townsend Grove, Interim Religious Education Consultant
Embracing the Interim:
Exploring our Religious Education Identity
In January, folx had the opportunity to gather and tell UU Bloomington Religious education stories. The warmth of this trip down memory-lane built relationships between the generations. In February, everyone has the opportunity to gather and look at today’s UU Bloomington lifespan religious education identity. What does lifespan religious education look like today? What are our religious education core values? How will these core values inform our future? We need you in this conversation. Join us as we continue to discern the next steps of our religious education identity. Beth Lodge-Rigal, Drew Schrader, Stephanie Kimball and Michele Townsend Grove will serve as facilitators.
Session #2 will be held in person on Sunday, February 27, 2022, Noon to 2:00 PM in Fellowship Hall
Adult Religious Education Opportunities Winter-Spring 2022
Adult Religious Education:
Drugs, Mind and Society with Brian O’Donnell
Online, 6 Thursdays, starting February 24, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Adult Religious Education:
Widening the Circle of Concern
Online Sunday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m.
February 27, March 6, March 27, April 3 and April 24
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“Still Building Our Own Theology”
An Adult Religious Education Opportunity for
Every Tuesday Evening in March, 7-8:30 p.m.
with Rev. Barbara Child
This series of conversations will take up some of the questions we are likely to keep on asking ourselves even if we would like to think we have worked out the basics of our personal beliefs. Up to 15 (plus me) will gather online March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, meeting from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Click here for more details. Click here to register.
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Adult Religious Education:
An Invitation to UU History
April 29-30, 2022
Tour Guide: Stuart Yoak
Email: sdyoak (at) iu.edu
Cell: 314-566-9059.
In person at UU Bloomington for 4 sessions.
Come for one or all sessions and learn in community.
Ever wonder how the Unitarian Universalist church evolved? Where this way of doing church came from and who were the leaders and founders of the Unitarian and Universalist movements in Europe and North America?
We are the beneficiaries of amazing women and men who, because of their courage, determination, and a commitment to the inherent dignity and worth of all people, we today have the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana.
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Religious Education Update
Ages 3-13
Religious Education classes for children start February 20
Please register your child(ren) for Spirit Play (ages 3-7) or IMUU (ages 7-13). Registration helps us know how many adult volunteers will be needed, AND tells us who we need to contact in case of unexpected changes.
On Sunday mornings, all children and teachers will meet in Fellowship Hall when they arrive between 10am and 10:15 for a special gathering activity, then we’ll go to our classrooms together from there. Masks required. We look forward to seeing you!
Volunteers needed
Please use this form to tell us how you would like to engage! Many options are available.
Home Altar Kits
Don’t forget to sign up for a time to assemble your unique Home Altar Kit! This is a gift from RE to your household, a way for us to say thank you for staying engaged in whatever ways you have been. If you registered for religious education by January 1, your special “bonus” gift will be included. If you prefer to let us assemble your kit, email Stephanie (kimball (at) uubloomington.org) and we can get it ready for you to pick up.
--Stephanie Kimball, Religious Education Coordinator
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Welcome March by Greeting
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Writing as a Spiritual Practice (Season 6)
A Drop-in Group with Rev. Barbara Child
Tuesdays through February 22
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.
through February 22.
Even if you took part in one or more sessions during Season 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, you need to register for Season 6 by clicking on the following link:
You need to register only once and can then attend as many Season 6 sessions after that as you choose. You may register up to a few minutes before a session begins.
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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UU Hikers at the Hays Trail February 24
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Explore Unitarian Universalism Feb 27 and Mar 6
Join us to explore Unitarian Universalism (UU) on February 27 and March 6, 2-4 pm--available both in-person (Room 210) and online.
In these small group gatherings, you can learn more about the UU Principles, UU ministers, the history of Unitarian Universalism and this church, how to get involved here, what it means to be a member, and much more. Plan to attend both dates, since 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! Questions? Email connect(at)uubloomington.org or call (812) 720-3688.
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UU Women's Alliance Thursday, March 3
Bloomington League of Women Voters
Join the Women's Alliance on Zoom, Thursday, March 3, 11:30 am with a presentation from the Bloomington League of Women Voters.
With voting rights legislation on the national agenda, you’ll want to join us for a program on voting and what’s happening in our area. The Zoom program at 11:30 a.m. will feature speakers from the LWV of Bloomington-Monroe. Click here for details on this presentation. Email Doris Wittenburg at dwittenb(at) indiana.edu for the Zoom link.
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UU Online Book Club March 7: The 1619 Project
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Persimmon Pulp is Available Again
We had a second pressing of persimmon pulp and there is now an ample supply of frozen persimmon pulp in the church freezer. You can pick up some from the freezer at times when the church is open. Leave payment in the envelope in the freezer. $6 per bag. Each bag contains 2 cups of pulp.
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Join Friends at the Dog Park on Mondays
A small group meets on Mondays at 3:00 p.m., with or without dogs, at the dog park at Switchyard Park. No RSVP required, although you can contact Martha Dogan with questions, (317) 370-3824
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One Calendar Year of Giving --
Two Separate Giving Statements for 2021
We are hoping to clarify why contributors who donated to our congregation during 2021 have received two separate giving statements. Contributions we received during the first half of 2021, January through June, were recorded in our old database, and we mailed everyone paper statements listing those gifts a couple of weeks ago. Contributions we received during the second half of 2021, July through December, were recorded in our new database, and those statements were sent out via email at the end of January. This is because we changed databases at the beginning of our fiscal year in July 2021. All contributions are now being recorded in the new database and everything should be much clearer from now on. If you have questions, please contact Mandy Skinner or Monica Overman at office (at) uubloomington.org.
--Carol Marks, Church Administrator
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MidAmerica UU Region Plans Virtual Meeting Apr 30 Unitarian Universalists in 12 Midwestern and Upper Midwest states join together to form the MidAmerica Region of the UUA, and our annual Regional Assembly will be online this year on April 30. The keynote speaker is social justice educator, storyteller and speaker CB Beal. Included will be worship, the annual business meeting, a keynote address, and community breakout rooms. Sliding scale registration fee between $25 and $50; scholarships are available. If you would like to be a member delegate from our congregation, registration fee support is available. Contact Iris Kiesling if you are interested, irisfkiesling (at) gmail.com. Click here for details about the meeting.
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Undiedrive 22---February 12 to 28
Our Homelessness Task Force and Trinity Episcopal Church are sponsoring a clothing drive for K-12 students in Bloomington and Monroe County. The purpose of Undiedrive 22 is to collect underwear and sweatpants from churches and to distribute them to children in need, in the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC). Donated items may be brought to the church or ordered online. Click here for details.
Questions, please contact Alan Backler, abackler (at) aol.com
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25% Sunday Non-Pledge Plate Recipient
Nomination Campaign for 2022-23
The process for nominating our next local non-profit agency to receive 25% of our Sunday non-pledge plate collections is approaching. An application form with guidelines will become available on March 1, 2022 for those who would like to nominate an agency to receive the funds from July 2022 – June 2023. The application deadline will be April 15th, after which the Social Justice Funds Committee will choose three nominee finalists for the congregation to vote on at the spring congregational meeting on June 12th. Our contributions to the current recipient, the Next Childcare Center at New Hope Family Shelter, total $3349, with 2 more quarters to go. The total donated to last year’s recipient, Monroe County United Ministries Childcare, was $6561! Which 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 live streamed service on Sunday, June 12.
Be watching for further announcements from the Social Justice Funds Committee. Contact Denise Ogren, SJFC Chair, at uucbsjfunds (at) ubloomington.org with any questions.
The Social Justice Funds Committee: Denise Ogren, Steve Mascari, Jay Sissom, Sarah Kopper, Sandy Davoren Advisors: Jackie Hall and Rev. Bill Breeden
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Helping in the Community:
See Reverend Emily Manvel Leite's Column Above
for the ways we are helping Widen the Circle in caring for our community, including supporting the houseless clients of Shalom Center and helping provide groceries to a local immigrant family recently arrived from Afghanistan.
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The People of Afghanistan Need Our Help
After decades of war and a 2-year drought, nearly 23 million Afghan people are threatened with starvation right now. The World Food Program USA has had success for the last 60 years in delivering food to hungry people in Afghanistan, including in remote areas. This is life-saving work and you can help. Click here to learn how you can contribute.
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Community Connections -- Our Faith in Action in the Community
Dental Care Center of Monroe County Seeks Board Members
The Dental Care Center of Monroe County (DCC) is seeking self-directed, collaborative, and highly motivated individuals to serve on the Board of Directors. The DCC Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the operation of the Dental Care Center of Monroe County. The Dental Care Center of Monroe County provides exceptional dental care to low-income individuals in Monroe County and surrounding counties. Click here for details.
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UU Humanist Forum Meets Sunday, February 20,
12:45 pm
Every other Sunday at 12:45 pm, our UU Humanists meet together online on Zoom for discussion. On February 20, Ben Yoke will lead a discussion on "Pantheism contrasted with Humanism as a secular existential or meta ethical foundation." Email Ann Watzel if you would like to join the discussion.
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UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, February 27, 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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Shambhala Meditation on Zoom 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 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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First Monday Poetry Group Meets March 7
The First Monday Poetry Group originally organized by Bob Taylor meets the first Monday of each month at 10 a.m. via Zoom and welcomes all. Bring a published poem to read for the group to discuss. Contact Linda Pickle (linda.pickle [at] wku.edu) to receive the Zoom link.
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Your Church Office Staff is Available
by Phone and Email
Here is how to be in touch with the church administrative staff during their office hours as they continue to work from home.
(Of note, the church office will be closed and staff will be unavailable on Monday, February 21, for the federal holiday.)
Church Administrator Carol Marks, M-F, 10-4, 812-287-9615, admin (at) uubloomington.org. Carol Marks will be away from email Feb 19-24.
Office Assistant Monica Overman, T, Th, 10-1, Friday 12:30-3:30, 812-322-5546, office (at) uubloomington.org
Office Assistant Mandy Skinner, M, W, F, 10:30-1:30, 812-340-9981, office (at) uubloomington.org
Between them, our highly-trained Office Assistants know pert near as much about the business of the congregation as the Church Administrator does, and they know some things she doesn't! The land line at the church, 812-332-3695, is checked for messages twice weekly.
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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. Because of continuing high rates of Covid infection in Monroe County, staff are working from home. The office will be closed on February 21.
The Prologue is published on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Next issue is
March 1. Deadline is 10 am on date of publication, admin (at) uubloomington.org
Church Mailing Address:
2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington, IN 47408.
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Details on Membership & Offering
Membership: 561 certified members as of 2/1/2022;
561 current members.
Non-Pledge Offering:
January 30 $534
February 6 $187
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: $180.32
Grocery Card Sales: (Bloomingfoods or Fresh Thyme) $500; Total income to UUCB: $25
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 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 from the internet. |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, IN
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