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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, June 20, 2021
10:15 am Livestream
Multigenerational Summer Solstice: Emergence
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Reverend Dave Clements
Join us as we attune ourselves to the rhythm of the seasons and gather with ritual, song, story, and reflection together. Our service will be enhanced by drumming led by Colleen Haas, and Robin Pyle will help dance the ancient Japanese tale of Amaterasu. Please watch the Friday Update for directions on home preparations to enrich your experience! Our children's choir, directed by Jill Courtney, will offer a reprise of sunshine music appropriate to the season.
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Sunday, June 27, 2021
12:00 noon Livestream
Sunday Worship at General Assembly
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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.
-- Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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Please Make Your Pledge Today!
We are encouraging everyone who has not already done so to make a financial pledge for the coming fiscal year, July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022.
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Video Recording of June 13 Congregational Meeting
The video recording of the June 13 Congregational Meeting can be viewed by clicking here. The actual meeting begins at about 1 minute 49 seconds into the video.
25% of Sunday Plate Fund Recipient for 2021-22
The members at the congregational meeting on June 13 votied for the recipient of our 25% of Sunday Plate Fund for 2021-22, and the winner is:
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Our Building is Closed, but Our Hearts are Still Open.
The Board, Staff, and the NEST working group continue to consult as we do our part to disrupt the spread of coronavirus and COVID-19 in our community. Our building remains closed until July 1. We expect to begin having limited office hours beginning July 1,
on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
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 at the Church in July,
and Scheduling Small Meetings
Our staff is gradually beginning to resume some office hours at the church building. Beginning July 1, we will have staff in the building on a limited basis on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, generally from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will also make the building available for a limited number of small church-related meetings beginning July 1, at times when staff members are present. We encourage attendees to wear masks and maintain social distancing when meeting in the building. See the guidelines below from the NEST working group for details.
Carol Marks, Church Administrator, admin (at) uubloomington.org
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Next Steps in Transition (NEST) Working Group Guidelines for Meetings
The NEST working group has provided guidelines for how we will progress towards meeting in person at the church building. This includes guidelines for how church groups may schedule meetings
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MAM Musings
In my report for the Annual Congregational meeting on June 13, I began by recognizing that we, as ministers, staff, friends and members of this congregation, and we, as people living in this country, and we, as global citizens, have experienced change, grief and stress at an unprecedented rate this year. My colleague, Dr. DEW (Dr. Denise Williams), who has been in our pulpit, names the stress as the Triple Bottom Line Pandemic. First, we have dealt with a biological threat, a virus, which resulted in social isolation, distrust and death. Second, we are living into a new level of social and racial justice while dealing with economic, ecological and emotional disruption of structures. Third, as a result, many are now questioning or seeking to explore their concept of the sacred, God, Goddess, and the nature of the Universe.
As a congregation, we unfold into these questions and others with imperfection and a willingness to learn. At the end of our congregational meeting, I invited everyone to recognize our limitations as humans, as well as our gifts, and I invited all into the spiritual discipline of gratitude. May that gratitude bless all past, present and future ministers, staff, friends and members of this congregation, and we, the people living in this country, and we, global citizens.
I now offer these words from Reverend Richard Gilbert:
In the midst of the whirling day,
In the hectic rush to be doing,
In the frantic pace of life,
Pause here for a moment.
Catch your breath;
Relax your body;
Loosen your grip on life.
Consider that our lives are always unfinished business;
Imagine that the picture of our being is never complete;
Allow your life to be a work in progress.
Do not hurry to mold the masterpiece;
Do not rush to finish the picture;
Do not be impatient to complete the drawing.
From beckoning birth to dawning death we are in process,
And always there is more to be done.
Do not let the incompleteness weigh on your spirit;
Do not despair that imperfection marks your every day;
Do not fear that we are still in the making.
Let us instead be grateful that the world is still to be created;
Let us give thanks that we can be more than we are;
Let us celebrate the power of the incomplete;
For life is always unfinished business.
In a spirit of Blessing,
Mary Ann
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
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Emily's Post
Dear Ones,
Most of you know by now how much I have loved the cicadas--their song, their sweet orange eyes and delicate wings...for me, this rare season has been a joy. But I have heard from several of you that cicadas are not a joy for you, but a struggle. Their presence is stressful, overwhelming, even frightening. And that reminded me of how important it is to hold one another with grace and love as we navigate our shared world in our own ways.
The ever-increasing number of vaccinated people has been shifting our expectations about how we move through our days. Some people have been enjoying emerging from Covid cocooning and find being with other people energizing and renewing. Others are still uncomfortable about getting together in person, or are finding they are exhausted after gathering with others. We are all going to move into this time of more interaction in our own ways. Please, be gentle with one another, figure out what is right for you in each moment, and respect each person's comfort zone around getting together or not, masked or not, hugging or not. This time offers us a challenge and an opportunity--to be together with our authentic selves and feelings, and to honor those in one another.
Let us come into this time with love,
Emily
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Minister of Congregational Life and Religious Education
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From Rev. Dave
Dear UUCB Members and Friends,
A few months ago, I was at home in Ohio with my partner. He suggested that we play a game of Scrabble. This was a game that I grew up playing each Sunday with my grandfather. Jerry, my partner, and I started playing the game. It was a wonderful experience and what was most enjoyable was just spending time together.
That is the great thing about play--it can be simple. It doesn’t require elaborate preparation, materials or toys. What it truly requires is TIME. Think back upon your childhood and the part that play had in building your social skills, your creativity and your relationship skills. Take the time to play this summer with friends and family.
Rev Dave
Reverend Dave Clements
Interim Minister Consultant
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Our Folks...
We are saddened to learn of the death of former congregation member Mary Ann Finch Vandivier, 86, who died on Sunday, June 6, 2021, in Pennsylvania. Reverend Macklin will accompany the family for a small graveside service in Greensburg, Indiana, this weekend. Here is a link to the obituary for Ms. Vandivier: https://legcy.co/3gAiuoa.
Thank you to Adrienne Summerlot, creator, and her family, participants, for our worship service on June 13th about play---- in which we were reminded of the life-altering role that play “can play” in our lives.
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21 Day Racial Justice Challenge
We are now more than half way thru our 21 days. I hope that those who are participating are finding the articles, videos and activities helpful. For those who haven’t signed up yet, please contact me and I can send you the materials clements (at) uubloomington.com
This challenge is set up so that you can begin it anytime. So, if you haven’t signed up, you still can. We will be meeting at 4:00 pm on June 27th on Zoom, to spend some time sharing and talking about the materials that are in the challenge. I invite you to join us at that time, regardless if you have completed the 21 days or not. --Rev Dave
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION UPDATES
PlayfUUL Summer
This summer, Religious Education Assistant Stephanie Kimball will be facilitating opportunities for you to recharge and reconnect with friends and the spirit of play. We hope you will consider joining our Intergenerational Playgroup to receive invitations to meet at local parks for fun activities when you can.
Join Adrienne Summerlot to make fairy houses on Friday, June 25th from 10am-12pm! Space is limited and sign up is required!
If you are looking for an opportunity to share stories and play at home, you might consider joining Practicing Our Promises for the summer where rotating Spirit Play story baskets are delivered to your home.
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Meet up with the UUs!
This summer you are invited to attend wonderful outdoor community events and meet up with other UUs!
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A Note on Planned Giving
from Linda and Charlie Pickle
As the two of us make our way out of this pandemic year, it has become ever clearer how important the church and the church community are to us. Those bonds didn’t break; in many cases they were strengthened and deepened, even at a distance and over the digital divide. At the same time that Chalice Circles and the choir provided the two of us particular support, we were heartened that Sunday services continued with all the beloved traditions of the holidays and special celebrations intact. These things and much more provided hope and consolation. We have made provision in our estate planning so that the UUCB will continue to be a fastness and a sanctuary during life’s inevitable challenges. We hope you will do the same.
Linda and Charlie Pickle
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UU Online Book Club Reads "How to Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan -- Discussion July 5
The UU Online Book Club meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 PM via Zoom. Their next book is "How to Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan and will be discussed on July 5 at 6:30 PM. The Monroe County Public Library has multiple copies of the book available to borrow. If you would like to join the book club, use this link to register for the Zoom meeting: UU Book Club Registration
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Exploring Unitarian Universalism Online!
July 11 and July 18
Explore Unitarian Universalism with us online, July 11 and 18, 2-4 pm. Use this link 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 connect(at)uubloomington.org or call (812)720-3688.
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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.
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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.
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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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We welcome new babies and adopted children!
Are you expecting a new baby or adopted child in your family, or know a UU who is? If so, please let us know! We want to welcome all new children to our UU family. Just email Ann at connect(at)uubloomington.org and let her know about the new baby or adopted child.
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Juneteenth Celebration - Donation Drive through 6/19
The Racial Justice Task Force is joining with Black Lives Matter-Btown to raise $3,000 to buy local produce, products & goods to donate to the Crestmont community and local Black families in honor of Juneteenth. This date, June 19th, celebrates the date in 1865 that the last enslaved people in the US were emancipated. There are three ways that congregation members can contribute:
(1) donate directly to BLM via their Venmo address, BLM-BTOWN, noting that the funds are to be used for the Juneteenth Drive;
(2) Drop off any of the supplies listed below at the church (north Portico entrance) between now and June 19; or
(3) Bring items from the list below to the People’s Market at Harmony School between 9 am and 1 pm on Saturday, June 19.
We may also need people to help with delivery and distribution. Please direct questions or suggestions to the Racial Justice Task Force chairs, Martha Oakley, oakley (at) indiana.edu or Ruth Aydt, aydt (at) icloud.com.
- Medical/First Aid Supplies
- Deodorant
- Dental Care (toothpaste, mouthwash, flossers)
- Sunscreen/Bug Repellent
- Razors/Shave Cream
- Shampoo/Conditioner
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Pitch in for Shalom
You can drop off donations of pasta/cereal/canned food, coffee/tea, hygiene products, and clothing for Shalom Community Center in the bins marked "Pitch In for Shalom" on the north side of the church under the portico.
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Each One Feed One for Monroe County United Ministries
At UUCB the entire month of June will be devoted to a food drive for Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM). We are asking you to drop off non-perishable food items and cleaning/hygiene items in the bins marked MCUM by the Portico entrance on the north side of the church. Here is a link to the most needed items. Thank you from UUCB Religious Education and the Hunger Task Force.
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UU/GA June 23-27
Please join other UUs at this year’s GA, which will be virtual from Milwaukee. We have room for 12 Delegates. Registration is only $200 and there are many interesting meetings going on. The Ware Lecture will feature Stacey Abrams as well as Desmond Meade. If you wish to attend the Ware Lecture you must register as a delegate. For more info about the General Assembly please see: uua.org/ga. Let us know if you’re interested in being a delegate. Iris Kiesling - irisfkiesling (at) gmail.com
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UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, June 20 , 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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UU Humanist Forum Meets Sunday, June 27, 12:45 pm
Every other Sunday at 12:45 pm, our UU Humanists meet together online on Zoom for discussion. On June 27, Elof Carlson will lead a discussion on "Seven sexes ." Email Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren if you would like to join the discussion.
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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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COVID-19 Vaccination News -
Vaccines for Age 12 and Older!
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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
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Indiana Department of Health info: coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine
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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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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! 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) Beginning July 1, we will have limited in-person office hours at the church building on Tues, Weds, and Thurs.
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
June 15. 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;
572 current members.
Attendance
4/18/2021 111
4/25/2021 123
5/2/2021 132
5/9/2021 120
5/16/2021 130
5/23/2021 109
5/30/2021 142
6/6/2021 120
6/13/2021 97
Non-Pledge Offering:
May 30: $455
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: $113.75
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
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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 $432.88 from Kroger for the months January through March 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 an envelope. Orders are received in Nashville, but fulfilled in Bloomington. (smiley face)
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Masthead photo by John Woodcock -- UUs at Monroe County 4th of July parade a few years ago. |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, IN
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