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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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Sunday, August 8, 2021
10:15 am Livestream
Wow! That Hurt!
Reverend Forrest Gilmore
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
These past seventeen months have been not just a risk to our physical health and the health of those we love, but also a strain on our hearts and minds. What does it mean to go through a collective trauma together? How do we be good to ourselves? How do we heal?
How do we carry on?
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Zoom Virtual Coffee Hour
On Hiatus for August
Because relatively few members have been taking advantage of the Zoom virtual coffee hour after the livestreamed Sunday service in recent weeks, we are suspending this activity for the month of August. If it seems like it would be helpful to a larger number of people later this fall, we can certainly start it up again. Thanks to everyone who has participated! -- Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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Our Building is Mostly Still Closed, but
We Plan for In-Person Services Beginning Sunday, September 5
The Board, Staff, and the Next Steps in Transition (NEST) working group continue to consult as we do our part to disrupt the spread of coronavirus and COVID-19 in our community. Church staff are working at the church building on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10-3, and the rest of the time at home.
We anticipate in-person worship services to resume
on Sunday, September 5, at 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
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Office Hours Tue, Wed, Thu at the Church
Plus: How to Schedule Small Church Meetings
Our staff is keeping office hours at the church on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10-3. They are working from home on other days. The building is available by reservation for small church-related meetings at times when staff members are present. Masks are required to be worn while you are inside our building. Here are guidelines for small meetings in the building from the NEST working group. Contact Carol Marks to schedule a meeting.
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Next Steps in Transition (NEST) Prepares for In-person Sunday Services Starting September 5
As the date of our first in-person worship services (September 5!) draws closer, the NEST Working Group has created this guiding document: Guidelines for in-person worship services. We so look forward to seeing you in person! A few highlights of the guidelines: Because some members of our congregation cannot be vaccinated (including young children), masks will be required of all attendees and we will not sing together as a congregation at this time. We will prearrange chairs in small pods (of 1, 2, or 3 seats) so that attendees can easily find a socially distanced spot to sit. In the two weeks before September 5, we will provide opportunities for congregation members and friends to visit the Sanctuary in preparation for being together in that beautiful space. We look forward to seeing everyone in September! --The NEST Working Group
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MAM Musing
It was lovely to be back in the pulpit on Sunday, along with our tech guru Ned Joyner. As was announced, Ned will be leaving Bloomington in a few weeks to continue his seminary journey at highly esteemed Union Theological Seminary. We thank tech guru Andy Beargie for bringing Ned aboard UUCB in January 2017. Both Andy and Ned have consistently contributed toward our advancement in technology, multi-media work, live-streaming on Sundays, and the many adaptations that have happened due to Covid19. Andy has been a stalwart tech presence in terms of our car choir.
Without Ned, many of the innovative ideas and contributions over the past few years would not have taken place, such as live-stream, memorial services, the Star Trek service, videos from affiliated ministers, the Ray of Sunshine CD, JC Superstar solo, video from Andy and Ned’s band, Birrrd and just the care offered to congregation members in terms of tech, hearing assistance and visual imagery.
While Ned offered his farewell message last Sunday as a seminary student, this Sunday will be his last day in the tech chair for the worship service. We invite you to send messages of gratitude to Ned at nedjoynermusic (at) gmail.com. Cards may be sent in care of the church address (PO Box 1158, Nashville, Indiana 47448-1158) and will be delivered to Ned before his departure for New York City on August 15th.
In gratitude to all who help create a sense of sacred space for our congregation, Seeking the Spirit. Building Community. Changing the World.
Peace,
Mary Ann
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Senior Minister
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Our Folks...
Our hearts are with the family and friends of Chris Clothier, who died Monday morning after a
2-month battle with cancer. A former member of this congregation (as well as Congregational President 2005-2006), Chris had moved to Oregon and was with her beloved family and friends in her last days. Reverend Macklin had also been in touch with Chris as well as family. Chris’s sister, Sandi, is a member of our congregation, and we wait with welcoming arms for her return from Oregon.
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From Reverend Macklin
During Sunday’s service, I shared this stunning poem written by founding member Cookie Lynch. Cookie, who died in the summer of 2012, first presented this poem in early August of 2005 from this pulpit, in recognition of the anniversary of the US atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, on August 6th and 9th, 1945 . At that time, I was both moved and haunted by the poem’s honesty, Cookie’s honesty, so much so, that I vowed to Cookie that every year at this time, as long as I was minister, I would have her words read from this pulpit. I include it today for a depth reading or perhaps the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina (Instructions Here)
I offer these queries: How is it that our country dropped those first bombs 76 years ago? What were the people of that generation going through during the terrible years of WWII? What happens to the human spirit when we say “whatever it takes, it must end.” What relevance does this poem have for us in 2021?
Apologia: August 5, 2005 cookie lynch
My tears had all been shed
Enola Gay’s cargo of withering death
Could not speak to me.
I had cried for my young soldier husband
Trapped in the Christmas snows of the Bulge,
For the lads on the Normandy beaches,
Hurled like pebbles against the cliff top canon,
I wept for the wracked bodies on Bataan’s march
For sailors incinerated in the Pearl of the Pacific
For my Captain father whose ship was sunk off Algiers.
“It is 1945, whatever it takes, it must end
Ye Gods of war, 400,000 Americans slain is enough!
Do the Japanese wives and mothers weep for our dead?
We know not what we do, but we are ready,
We wives and mothers, accept the unacceptable!”
Only later, in the fullness of time
Came the hot tears, came the guilt
Came the national shame
Came understanding of the ultimate evil,
The demon we had released upon our earth.
Now sympathy is soul deep, but it fails
To succor you Nagasaki and Hiroshima
We memorialize your tragedy.
We pray for forgiveness, but can we know,
While human memory endures,
Can we ever know the balm of absolution?
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Vigil for a Nuclear-Weapons-Free World
Sunday, August 8th at 8:00 p.m. at the Courthouse
The Just Peace Task Force invites you to stand with us on Courthouse Square for a vigil "For a Nuclear-Weapons Free World," on Sunday, August 8th at 8 p.m., to commemorate the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and to oppose the $1.5 trillion program to "modernize" the U.S. nuclear arsenal. Minister Emeritus Rev. Bill Breeden and David Keppel will be among the speakers. For information, please contact David at keppel (at) sbcglobal.net.
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Interim Religious Education Consultant
Michele Grove Begins August 15
Our Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Michele Townsend Grove has accepted our offer and has been hired to be our part-time Interim Religious Education Consultant, starting August 15. Michele has more than 30 years of experience in lifespan religious education and program development and has served at many different UU churches in her career. Most recently she served as Interim Director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. She has also served as trainer for interim Religious Educators for the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Here at UUCB, Michele is charged with providing guidance to the congregation in understanding our ongoing and future religious education needs. Ms. Grove will be present with us here in Bloomington for the first time August 25-29. For additional information, please see the July 2, 2021 Friday UU Update.
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Women’s Alliance Meets
Thursday August 5th at 11:30 a.m.
Please Join Us on Zoom for our Virtual Picnic!
Agenda
11:30-12:00 Meet and Greet: Sharon Wiseman will facilitate the sharing of your favorite memories from summers past and/or what you are looking forward to doing or have done this summer.
12:00-12:10: Barbara Edmonds will briefly speak regarding the Supreme Court’s decision impacting voting rights and possible responses.
12:15-12:30 Q/A facilitated by Doris Wittenburg to discuss possible actions or responses if any.
12:30-1:00 Business Meeting.
We love to see your faces…. Please join us!
If you need the Zoom link to the meeting, please email Doris Wittenburg at dwittenb (at) indiana.edu.
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Please Make Your Pledge Today!
It's not too late! We are encouraging everyone who has not already done so to make a financial pledge to support our congregation for the coming year. Click here for the online pledge form.
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Join us this Friday, August 6 for a Grounds Work Party!
You are invited to join us on two Friday evenings, August 6 and August 13, 5-8 PM to enjoy conversation, community, and a little sprucing up of the church grounds. We will pull weeds and spread some wood chips. Staying the entire time is not required, just come for as long as you are able. If you can, let us know you are coming, by emailing connect(at)uubloomington.org.
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Let's Meet Up at Slip-n-Foam!
Saturday, August 7, 1–4 p.m. at Butler Park
$5 per person
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Become a member this Sunday!
Membership indicates your kinship and affinity with this church and the larger Unitarian Universalist religious community. The next membership ceremony is scheduled for this Sunday, August 8 at 3:30 pm via Zoom. If you are new to Unitarian Universalism, we ask that you complete the Exploring Unitarian Universalism class before becoming a member. Let the Connections Coordinator know if you would like to attend the membership ceremony and become a member of the UU Church of Bloomington. Email Ann at connect(at)uubloomington.org or phone (812) 720-3688.
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New Online Church Directory Coming Soon
We are working on creating an online church directory in our new database, and it will be ready in a few weeks. Within a week or so, you will receive an email about it, so that you can let us know if you would like to be included. To be listed in the directory, you will need to opt in. You will also be able to upload a new photo to your record if you like, and decide exactly which information you want to have included. We hope everyone will want to participate. In order to have access to the directory, you must agree to be listed in the directory. When we get it ready, we will be sure you have instructions for how to access the new directory online. It is just for us; it won't be publicly available.
--Carol Marks, Church Administrator, admin (at) uubloomington.org, 812-287-9615, 812-332-3695.
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UUCB’S Extraordinary SPLASH PARTY
SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, September 4, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Everyone is invited to come and celebrate the end of summer and the opportunity to be together here at church in the courtyard. This will be a fun relaxing event with activities for all age groups. Here are just a few of the planned activities:
-- Water Balloon Toss -- Sponge Dodge Ball Pull -- Water Color Painting
Social Distancing will be practiced. We are looking for someone who would like to be our DJ for the afternoon. To volunteer, please contact Rev. Dave by email at clements(at)uubloomington.org or by text at 216-333-8055. For other questions, please contact office(at)uubloomington.org.
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UU Online Book Club Reads
"Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship With A Remarkable Man"
Discussion on September 6
The UU Online Book Club meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 PM via Zoom. Their next book is "Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship With A Remarkable Man" by William Shatner with David Fisher, and will be discussed on September 6 at 6:30 PM. In this powerfully emotional book, Shatner tells the story of Leonard Nimoy, a man who was his friend for five decades, recounting anecdotes and untold stories of their lives on and off set, as well as gathering stories from others who knew Nimoy well. If you would like to join the book club, use this link to register for the Zoom meeting: UU Book Club Registration. Special thanks to CJ (in Australia) who will lead the September discussion.
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Green Sanctuary Task Force Says:
Call Your U.S. Senators by August 10 about the
Climate Component of the Budget
The Green Sanctuary Task Force on Global Climate Change has a simple but urgent request. Over the next few weeks, Senate committees will be working on the $3.5 Trillion Budget Reconciliation Package. Climate will be a major component. This is the best opportunity we’ve had in a very long time to get effective game-changing climate policy enacted. Carbon pricing needs to be included.
Republican Senators are important because bipartisan committees will be shaping the bill. We want to reach Senators before they make up their minds about the Reconciliation Package. Citizens' Climate Lobby has a simple online tool with suggested scripts for emailing and calling our senators. Please use it within the next week (by August 10). It only takes a few minutes: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/senate/
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UU Humanist Forum Meets Sunday, August 8, 12:45 pm
Every other Sunday at 12:45 pm, our UU Humanists meet together online on Zoom for discussion. On August 8, Sandy Dolby, Jason Michάlek, and Rich Janda will lead a discussion on "What the Bleep are we talking about?" Email Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren if you would like to join the discussion.
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UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, Aug 15, 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 Harold Ogren or Ann Watzel.
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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 away from our building. If you'd like to participate, visit openmindzenbloomington.org and use their contact page for more information.
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Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
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COVID-19 Vaccination News -
Vaccines for Age 12 and Older!
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Email SCAM Alert
Our ministers, staff, and board members or other members will never send you email asking you for any money besides your pledge payment!
How to Recognize an Email Phishing Scam:
Is the email impersonating Rev. Macklin or another of our staff or ministers? Are they asking you to purchase gift cards? Wait! Don't do it! We will never send you emails like that. To double check, look at the email address of the sender. Is it from an address at uubloomington.org? If not, that's the second good reason to delete it!
Office Hours, Calendar, Deadlines
Office hours: M-F, 10 am-4 pm . We are at the church on Tue, Wed, and Thu. Working from home the rest of the time.
The Church Office can be reached via text or voicemail during office hours at 812-287-9615 or 812-332-3695. 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
August 17. Deadline is 10 am on date of publication, admin (at) uubloomington.org
Mailing Address
During the pandemic:
UU Church, PO Box 1158, Nashville, Indiana 47448-1158.
(Items mailed to 2120 N. Fee take 3-4 weeks on average to be forwarded by the Postal Service! So please use the PO Box instead of the street address!)
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Membership and Attendance
Membership: 574 certified members as of 2/1/2021;
567 current members.
Non-Pledge Offering:
July 25: $425
Aug 1: $210
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: $158.75
Grocery Card Sales: (Bloomingfoods or Fresh Thyme) $400; Total income to UUCB: $20
Free Money from Kroger!
Fresh Thyme and Bloomingfoods
Grocery Cards Available by Mail
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Did you know that Kroger sends us over $1,600 each year? This is made possible by those of you who participate in Kroger's Community Rewards program. Register your Kroger Plus card online at this link.
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We are also still selling grocery cards for Bloomingfoods and Fresh Thyme. Click here to see what kind of cards and how many are available. Send your check to the church (UU Church, P. O. Box 1158, Nashville, Indiana 47448-1158) with a note to let us know the type and value of card(s) you want, and we will mail them to you. You do not need to send an envelope. Orders are received in Nashville, but fulfilled in Bloomington. (smiley face)
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, IN
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