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May 18, 2021
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana
  Congregation founded 1949 | LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation since 1995 | Green Sanctuary since 2007
Seeking the Spirit | Building Community | Changing the World
Join us for online services
Livestreamed on Sunday mornings at 10:15 am
Sunday, May 23, 2021
10:15 am Livestream
The Stories We Tell
Reverend Dave Clements
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite

Recently our congregation completed a congregational read of the book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson. In the service you will hear stories from some of our members who participated in the congregational read. What did they learn? What is their story? As we look to the time when we will move past this pandemic, what will be the stories that generations will tell about this time? What do we hope that they will say about us? We will explore what possible stories will be told. I invite all of you to come with an open mind, open heart, and open will. -- Rev. Dave
Sunday, May 30, 2021
10:15 am Livestream
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin

Information about this service will appear in the Friday Update on May 28.
Early Bird Coffee Hour
Bring your coffee or tea and join us at 9:15 am to relax with friends on Zoom before the service. Click on this link to register for the Early Bird Coffee Hour and receive the Zoom link.  
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. 
-- Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator

NEST listening session during Coffee Hour on May 30
The Next Steps in Transition (NEST) working group will offer a final listening session in Virtual Coffee Hour on Sunday, May 30. We invite everyone to join us to share your thoughts and ideas regarding the transition to in-person gatherings at the church.
Pledge Drive Encouragement--
Please Make Your Pledge Today!

What do the following things have in common:

Taking care of the physical needs of our building?
Hiring Professional Staff that help to keep our work of a congregation moving forward?
Creating programs for Children, Youth and Adults?

All of this is supported through the funds that all of you pledge each year in our annual pledge drive. We are still about a $100,00 short of our goal. Please pledge today or if you would like to increase your current pledge feel free to do so. Thank you for your continued support.


Official Notice of Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 4:00 pm
Online only

This meeting is being announced in accordance with our Bylaws.
We encourage all UUCB members to attend and participate (online) in the June 13, 2021 Congregational Meeting! We will send instructions for how to join the meeting soon.

Included on the agenda at this meeting will be election of Special Purposes Fund (SPF) and Leadership Cultivation Committee (LCC) members, selection of a local helping organization to receive our 25% Sunday Plate Fund for 2021-22, and approval of our budget for 2021-22, as well as a number of reports and updates. 

Nominees for Elected Office
LCC: Suzanne Fodor
SPF: Ed Long

Nominees for the 25% Sunday Plate Fund
The Nest at New Hope
Nurse Family Partnerships
Friends of Monroe County Public Library

Budget Information for 2021-22 will be provided on the day of the meeting.

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 remain closed for some months to come. Our Board of Directors will review this decision at each monthly board meeting.
From Our Ministers
Thoughts from Rev. Dave

The power of a story. The past few weeks, I had the opportunity to connect with a dear friend whom I had not seen for several years. We met outside and exchanged greetings and began to reflect on the many years that we worked together. We both remembered our time working together with different stories.

I was reminded of the damage that can be done when we rely on a single story. Each of us experience life in a variety of ways. As my friend recalled memories and shared stories, I realized that her version of many of the experiences we shared were different than mine. As I listened to her retell the stories, I learned a great deal about her and about the experiences that we had shared. Her stories provided me with a greater understanding of my own stories of the same events and experiences.

This past year, we all have experienced COVID in a variety of ways. Our stories, as we tell them now and in the future, will be a tapestry of understanding for those who will look back on these times and try to understand the events, experiences and feelings that we all experienced.

What is the story that you remember about this past year? What have you learned about life, about yourself, and about relationships? I challenge you to take the time to write down or record your stories in some way. Your story is important and needs to be shared.

Reverend Dave Clements
Interim Minister Consultant
Emily's Post

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, we shared many memories of our congregation and of experiences together. I hope that the service sparked some memories of your own!

I am exploring the best way to gather up memories online, and would welcome your thoughts if you have a format that has worked for you. But most of all, I welcome the continued sharing of your memories -- memories of pandemic times, recent years, or long-ago. For now, go ahead and email them to me: mre (at) uubloomington.org. I'll keep them safe and make them accessible for all of you to read and enjoy soon! 

With great love for our community,
Emily 
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Minister of Congregational Life and Religious Education
MAM's Musings

TAKING CARE OF THE MOTHERSHIP
We are still over $100,000 shy of our pledge drive goal. Thanks to all who have helped us to this important place of support for the Mothership, our congregation. If you have not yet pledged, please let us know what might be a cool, creative motivating factor for you to do so. Ahoy.


GATHERING IN PARKING LOT TO DANCE
SATURDAY MAY 22, 6:30 pm (Arrive early! 6:15pm)
PLEASE JOIN US!
  1. We have Dan Lodge-Rigal's snazzy rendition of Justin Timberlake's "Sunshine in my Pocket" song.
  2. We have some basic choreo that you can take a look at, led by our friends Darrelyn Valdez and Crystal White: Click here to check out videos of the choreography that you do NOT have to memorize! You don't have to learn it but just follow the leaders once you arrive. Darrelyn and Crystal and others will be there to help.
  3. We have one of our tech gurus, Ned Joyner, ready to record video and make our efforts look amazingly good.
  4. We have yellow masks and yellow sunshiney spheres as healthy props.
  5. NOW WE JUST NEED YOU:
  • Show up in black pants and short sleeve black shirt or something similar.
  • Wear comfortable sneakers.
  • Bring water to drink; you will sweat
  • Park in front or side of church OR across the street. 
  • Join us for some fun. Remember fun? It's fun.
   
Blessings all around,
MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Senior Minister 
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION UPDATES

This past Sunday, we were able to gather in person with our 7th-12th graders for a hike at Griffy, and it was such an important time for these youth. The energy was palpable. You could sense how hungry they were to chat in person with each other, share stories of school and this past year, and have a physical, tangible shared experience together that simply is not quite replicable online. I noticed the excitement around the end of school that is coming and the welcome to summer and the freedom that brings, especially for this group who are sometimes caught between child and adult. 

Join an Intergenerational Play Group this summer!
One of the best parts of my job is watching children and families grow, fostering play like climbing trees and skipping rocks (for all ages), and holding space. I feel grateful to have witnessed this on Sunday evening and to look ahead to a playfUUl summer where we can help folks of all ages let their inner child out and reconnect with church friends or meet new ones. I hope you will take a moment to complete this short interest form so we can move forward with planning for a summer with new memories, stories, and lots of play!
-- Adrienne Summerlot, Director of Religious Education
Building Community
UU Singles Meet on Thursday, May 20, 6 pm
We are a group of single adults within the UU Bloomington community who meet occasionally for various kinds of connection and fellowship. We'd love to have you join us! We meet next over Zoom this Thursday evening, May 20, for a conversation night. Please join us! To join the UU singles email list (where the Zoom link is published), please email Marie Deer or call her at 812-391-0900.
Writing as a Spiritual Practice, Season 4
A Drop-in Group with Rev. Barbara Child
Tuesdays at 1:00 pm
May 11 - June 29 (Join anytime!)
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 from 1:00-2:00, May 11 through June 29.
Please note – there will be no session on May 4.
  • To begin with, even if you took part in Season 1, 2, or 3, you need to register for Season 4 by clicking here. You need to register only once and can then attend as many Season 4 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.  
Changing the World
Collecting Copies of
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
to Share with Others
Other groups in our community would appreciate having access to copies of the book Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. If you would like to donate your copy so others can learn from it too, there is now a bin to receive these books under the north porch roof near the Portico Entrance. It's the grey bin on the left. Thanks for sharing!
Green Sanctuary Task Force
Spring Clothing Swap Returns
Saturday, May 22, 10 am
The Green Sanctuary Task Force encourages all of us to examine our habits of consumption. What do we buy? Where does it come from? What happens to it when we're finished with it? What impact does our consumption have on the earth and its inhabitants?
Renew your wardrobe while caring for the Earth at this spring's Swap at the Woodlawn Shelter in Bryan Park on Saturday, May 22 from 10 am - 1 pm. Volunteers are needed to assist with sorting clothes during the event and packing up and delivering what is left. Please contact Stephanie Kimball, stephanie.k (at) posteo.net, for more information or to volunteer. All participants are expected to wear masks and maintain appropriate physical distancing.
In Harmony with Habitat
Online Fundraiser Concert
May 22 -- Get Your Tickets Now!

Enjoy talented musicians from the comfort of your home on May 22 and help raise funds for sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity home in Bloomington. The UU Habitat Task Force is hosting a livestreamed, online concert with a group of talented performers from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 22.

The concert will be emceed from our sanctuary by Rev. Bill Breeden and UU Angela Lexmond, with most performances recorded and a live band. Artists will be Bloomington’s Jenn Cristy, who has performed her piano-driven rock nationally; King Bee and The Stingers, a well-known contemporary blues band; UU Sylvia McNair, two-time Grammy Award winning singer; classical pianist and composer Keaton Springfield; musicians Teddy Gonyea on piano and Ben Lopilato on bass; and the Radical Moderates, with David Sharp, Dan Lodge-Rigal, and Pat McNaughton. Viewers will also hear about the need for decent, affordable housing from Habitat’s CEO Wendi Goodlett, a Habitat homeowner and a volunteer.


-- Barb Berggoetz, Habitat Task Force chairperson
Seeking the Spirit
UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, May 23, 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.
UU Humanist Forum Meets Sunday, May 30, 12:45 pm
Every other Sunday at 12:45 pm, our UU Humanists meet together online on Zoom for discussion. On May 30, Sandra Dolby will lead a discussion on "Singing Religions I Don't Believe In." Email Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren if you would like to join the discussion
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.
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.
Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
RSVP now for JTB's upcoming virtual production of A Pickle by Deborah Yarchun
May 20, 22, & 23 | Online Via Zoom
You'll LOVE this darkly comedic look at the Minnesota State Fair, pickle prejudice, and culture clash! Join us via Zoom for a hilarious & heartwarming show, based on a true story. Directed by Francesca Sobrer and starring Annabel Armour.
Suggested Donation: $25
Talkbacks: May 20 & 22 -- On Thursday, meet the REAL Doris Rubenstein, and on Saturday, meet playwright Deborah Yarchun!
Black Authors Speak 2021 at the Monroe County History Center
The Monroe County History Center is creating an outdoor author showcase called Black Authors Speak on July 17. The first Black Authors Speak in 2018 hosted a public book fair and panel discussion. For 2021, the event will showcase local writers through short readings and performances. 
Interested authors and musicians of all ages and genres can reach out to the History Center by emailing Andrea Hadsell at education@monroehistory.org or calling 812-332-2517, ideally by June 12. 
COVID-19 Vaccination News -
Vaccines for Age 12 and Older!
  • People age 12 and older in Indiana are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. To make a vaccine appointment, call 211 or visit this website: vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov
  • Indiana Department of Health info: coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine
  • 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.
Some Details
Email SCAM Alert
Many of you received an email that appeared to be from Carol Marks asking for help in the form of eBay gift cards. This was yet another phishing scam. Our ministers, staff, and board members or other members will never send you email asking you for any money besides your pledge 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 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 (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 or office (at) uubloomington.org

Calendar: For our full calendar of events, visit uubloomington.org/calendar.

The Prologue is published on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Next issue is June 1. 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!)
Membership and Attendance

Membership: 574 certified members as of 5/14/2021;
573 current members.
Attendance 
Attendance data is missing, due to recent changes made by our livestreaming service.
Non-Pledge Offering
May 2:  $1,582.50    May 9:  $515.00
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: $524.38
Grocery Card Sales: (Bloomingfoods or Fresh Thyme) -- $300;   Total income to UUCB: $15.00
 
Free Money from Kroger!
Fresh Thyme and Bloomingfoods
Grocery Cards Available by Mail  
  
  • 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 $432.88 from Kroger for the months January through March from this program.
  • 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)  
Masthead photo by P.Y. Garcia.