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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 Sundays at 9:15 am and 11:15 am
We are also meeting in person in our Meeting Room.
All are welcome.
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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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Updated Pandemic Guidelines from NEST, as of May 9 —
Masks Required Inside the Building
The NEST (Next Steps In Transition) working group met on Monday, May 9. In response to multiple indications that the Covid-19 infection rate is increasing in Monroe County, including new wastewater data, the working group has decided that masking will be required in the church building until the situation becomes clear. Use this link to view the new wastewater data. When viewing the data, click on the three dots on the right hand side of the date column and choose "sort descending." The column to look at is "gene copies per 10ml."
Current Sunday Worship Guidelines for In-person Attendees:
- We expect all who are able to be vaccinated.
- Masks are currently required.
- Coffee Hour will be held in the Courtyard this Sunday.
As always, each individual must decide what is right for them and whether or not to attend activities in person. We reserve the right to revise these guidelines in response to changes in COVID risk levels.
Warmest regards,
The NEST Working Group: Jane McLeod, Abby Gitlitz, Michele Grove, Stephanie Kimball, Judy Klein, Dan Lodge-Rigal, Sarah Sanchez, Melinda Swenson and Rev. Bill Breeden.
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Sunday, June 12, 2022
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
In person and Livestream
Daughters of the Moon
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Reverend Susan Swaney
In this Farewell Service for Reverend Mary Ann Macklin as she completes twenty years of ministry to our congregation, we will say Goodnight to the Moon and witness Reverend Macklin’s final attempt to distinguish between an Offering and an Offertory. Reverend Macklin will also offer words of gratitude, remembrance, and love to the congregation. Our choir, directed by Reverend Doctor Susan Swaney, will offer several selections of special music. Our Children’s Choir, directed by Jill Courtney, will also join us. The Gift, formerly known as Ray Fellman, will offer Offertory music.
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Sunday, June 19, 2022
10:15 a.m.
In person and Livestream
Multigenerational Summer Solstice
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Reverend Bill Breeden
Please note:
June 19 through July 31
we will hold one Sunday service only, at 10:15 a.m.
Even as the seasons change in our congregational life with the departure of Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, the seasons of the world continue on apace. Join us for a highly interactive service for all ages as we attune ourselves to the rhythm of our planet and gather for ritual, song, story, and reflection together. If you will be joining us from home, please watch the Friday update for home preparations to enrich your experience!
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Official Notice of Congregational Meeting
Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, June 12, 2022 2:30 p.m.
in the Meeting Room at 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington
All Members Encouraged to Attend
The congregational meeting will be in person and also live streamed on the church website, but not via Zoom. Because we are now able to meet again in person, according to our bylaws, only members attending in person will be able to vote and participate in discussion. We hope you will be able to attend.
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Nominees for 25% Sunday Plate Fund for 2022-23
- Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County - nominated by Barb Berggoetz
- Refugee Support Network - nominated by Barbara Backler
- Tandem Community Birth Center and Postpartum House - nominated by Emily Phelps
The gathered members of our congregation will vote on which one of these three will receive the 25% of Sunday Plate Funds for 2022-23, at our Annual Congregational Meeting on June 12 at 2:30 p.m.
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Our Folks...
Congratulations to Kathleen Sideli, a past president of our congregation, on recently receiving a Bridge Builder Award from the Council on International Educational Exchange. Retiring soon after 40 years of service to IU, she was chosen as a recipient for advancing peace by strengthening intercultural exchange programs.
Congratulations and best wishes to Sophia Ren and Abe Leite, son of Reverend Emily and Adam Leite, who were married on June 4 at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.
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Interim Minister Rev. Constance Grant Arrives August 2022
To Members and Friends:
It is my honor and great pleasure to announce the Rev. Constance L. Grant as our incoming Interim Minister.
Reverend Connie is an experienced interim minister who brings comprehensive experience in ministry, with focus on preaching and worship, pastoral care, and religious education. She has served a total of seven congregations across the country in various roles. Her continuing education has focused on family systems theory, grief and end-of-life issues, and transitional ministry.
Theologically, she describes herself as a “metaphorical theist (with humanist tendencies),” and (sometimes) uses the word “god” to describe the creating, sustaining, and transforming power in and of the universe.
Her non-professional interests include making jewelry, collecting family stories, and talking with her children, who are all in their thirties. Connie’s spouse, John, maintains “home base” in suburban Chicago.
Rev. Connie brings a passion for Unitarian Universalism, for congregational health, and for helping people live lives of meaning and wholeness.
The Board of Directors voted unanimously and enthusiastically to accept the recommendation of the Interim Minister Search Committee and we are deeply appreciative of the great work Alan Backler, Jane McLeod, Linda Pickle, Scott R. Sanders, and Drew Schrader have done on behalf of our congregation.
Rev. Connie’s interim ministry with us will be from August 2022 through July 2024.
Stuart D. Yoak
Congregational President
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We need you to keep the coffee flowing!
We need additional volunteers to help with coffee and tea on Sunday mornings. Volunteers replenish supplies before coffee hour starts (about 10:15 AM), during coffee hour (10:30-11:15 AM), and clean up afterwards (11:15 AM-11:35AM). Please note that the coffee hour time will change as of June 19, when we will temporarily be switching to one worship service at 10:15 a.m. Java Crew questions? Contact Marlin Howard at howardm(at)indiana.edu
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Sign up to Greet on Sundays
Whether you have been a Greeter in the past, or are looking for a new volunteer opportunity, you are invited to sign up to greet on Sunday mornings.
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Help Keep Our Candles Glowing!
All are welcome to join the Flame Keepers. Children under the age of 16 will be asked to serve with a parent or guardian. If you haven't been a Flame Keeper in the past, we will provide a short tutorial for you before you serve.
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MAM’s Musings
Dang it! Recently, from our pulpit, I attempted to define the difference between Offertory and Offering. I thought I had explained this difference well. However, as a result of my own burning curiosity, I now have fallen down a rabbit hole in my attempt to further understand and distinguish these two words. Down. Down. Down.
Of note, my obsession with the difference between Offering and Offertory is a convenient distraction form the fact that I will be participating in my last worship service on June 12th here at UUCB and that I will conclude my role as Senior Minister of this congregation on June 30th.
Meanwhile, back to the rabbit hole. One source stated that the difference between offering and offertory is that offering is an act of offering while offertory, with its origin in the roman catholic mass, is an anthem formerly sung during the offering; in this case offering could mean the act of communion or a monetary offering.
It’s kind of muddy in this rabbit hole. And it really depends on what era or religious tradition to which one is referring. Down. Down. Down. In 1390, Chaucer wrote about the singing of the offertory in the Canterbury Tales. In 1922, Sinclair Lewis wrote about the singing of the offertory in Babbitt; however, Upton Sinclair wrote that he sat through the sermon, the offertory and the recessional---- he seems to refer to “the offertory” as the ceremonial ritual (including music), of collecting the offering or the bringing forth of bread and wine. I don’t know if I am falling down a Babbitt hole or Upton.
BTW, the noun Offering can mean---An act of offering; That which has been offered; a sacrifice; An oblation or presentation made as a religious act; A contribution given at a religious service; Something put forth, bid, proffered or tendered.
Here’s my favorite circuitous definition:
Offertory: a verse from a Psalm said or sung at the beginning of the offertory
Here’s the most practical definition:
Offertory: the part of a religious service in which collection plates or baskets are distributed by ushers, with the tithes and offerings subsequently being brought to the chancel….or in our case the back doors. Offertory hymns are often sung or Offertory music played during preparation and collection.
In other words, I will miss you all when I finish my tenure in this congregation as your Senior Minister at the end of June. I love you. Please forgive me for any acts of commission or omission I have made that were hurtful. If necessary, I forgive you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Curiouser and curiouser.
Love,
MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
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Emily’s Post
Dear Friends,
The season of change is upon us! This Sunday will mark the last time Reverend Mary Ann Macklin is in our pulpit as she wraps up 20 years of ministry here. We hope you will join us for the celebrations this weekend and beyond. You can find details of those events here.
Our ministry team has been through many iterations during Reverend Macklin's years at UUCB, but Mary Ann has been the constant. After so long, it is hard to imagine what things will be like around here once she has left, so I have decided to stop trying to imagine it and just look forward to being present with you as we discover what is unfolding next for our beloved community.
Working with Reverend MAM has been a joy and a privilege for me, as I am sure it has been for many of you. Her creativity, playfulness, spiritual depth, and huge compassion have held our community well. AND this congregation is the wonderful place that it is because of the presence and commitment of all of you--it will not disappear or become unrecognizable as itself when Mary Ann departs. It will remain a place where we all worship, learn, play, and serve together focused upon Seeking the Spirit, Building Community, and Changing the World.
I look forward to being with you in this coming time of change--a time of loss for sure, but also filled with discovery, newness, and possibility.
Sending my love,
Emily
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Minister of Story and Ritual
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Celebrating Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
We are planning some festivities to celebrate Reverend Mary Ann's ministry before she leaves at the end of June.
There are FORE lights!
Golf Scramble with Rev. MAM on June 11 at 9:00 a.m.
UUCB will be hosting a Macklin Invitational on Saturday, June 11, at 9am at Taylor's Par 3. Join us for a morning of fun and very casual golf at Taylor's Par 3 Golf Course. We plan on playing a "scramble" style event with a shotgun start at 9am and cook-out to follow. Cost is $12 per player with financial assistance available so anyone interested can participate. Club rental available and groups may share clubs - yes it is that casual! Register Here.
June 12: Mary Ann's last Sunday preaching. Both services, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
12:15-1:45pm: Potluck Picnic in the courtyard
1:45-2:15pm: Celebration of Mary Ann in the sanctuary and live-streamed
2:15pm: Cookie time!
2:30pm: Annual Congregational Meeting including a time of appreciation for Mary Ann's ministry.
June 25 evening: Splash of the Sacred Picnic and Pool Party At Reverend Mary Ann's request, we are gathering for Splash of the Sacred at Bryan Park Woodlawn Shelter and Pool as we say farewell. We will host a potluck picnic at 6:00, to be followed by an hour of pool time reserved just for our congregation at 7:30 p.m.
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Religious Education Updates |
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Writing as a Spiritual Practice with Rev. Barbara Child
Is Cancelled for the Remainder of the Session
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We’re Hiring!
Are you interested in joining our childcare team? Applicants should be prepared to work on 2-3 Sundays per month, from 8:15 am to 12:45 pm.
Additional hours during the week will vary. Rate of pay is $13/hour. Please contact Stephanie Kimball (kimball(at)uubloomington.org) if you are interested or have any questions.
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UU Humanist Forum will not meet on June 12 |
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UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, June 19, 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 in person and via Zoom at 12:45 pm. To join the discussion on Zoom, contact Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren.
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Shambhala Meditation on Zoom on Mondays
Every Monday at 12 noon online, 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 Zoom.
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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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International Outreach Fundraiser Sale a Success
The International Outreach fundraiser sale on June 3 and 4 was a success, with a net of around $2,000 for donating to projects in Kenya. Thanks to everyone who helped and shopped!
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Green Sanctuary Task Force -
The Spring Clothing Swap Returns on June 18
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 in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, June 18 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.
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From the UU Hunger & Homelessness Task Forces
Donation Suggestions for Beacon (Ongoing collection) - donation bins are at the Portico entrance on the north side of the church:
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Our New Connections Coordinator, Anabel Watson
Anabel Watson is looking forward to meeting and growing connections within the UU Bloomington community. Currently a member of Second Unitarian Church of Chicago, Anabel grew up attending East Shore Unitarian in Bellevue, Washington, for a number of years and attended Cascade Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in East Wenatchee, Washington, during a year with AmeriCorps.
Anabel can be reached at connect(at)uubloomington.org.
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UU Hikers at Scarce O' Fat Trail on June 9
Join the UU hikers on Thursday, June 9th for a 5 mile moderate hike on the Scarce O' Fat trail in Yellowwood State Forest. Meet at the parking lot for Bloomingfood East at 9 AM to carpool to the trailhead. Bring water, hiking poles, and a lunch for a possible picnic by the lake afterwards. We should be back at Bloomingfoods by 1:30.
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How to Reach the Administrative Staff
Church Administrator Carol Marks is in the building this week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but is only available 10-11:30 a.m. because of afternoon Zoom meetings with the Association of UU Administrators and our core staff. Please call first if you plan to visit the church. She works from home the rest of the time and can be reached at the church mobile number, 812-287-9615, talk or text, M-F 10-4. This is the church mobile number, and is only "on" during office hours. Her email is admin (at) uubloomington.org.
Office Assistants Monica Overman or Mandy Skinner are in the church office Room 204 on Sundays, 10-1. They can also be reached at other times, below.
Office Assistant Monica Overman, T, Th, 10-1, Friday 12:30-3:30, 812-322-5546, office (at) uubloomington.org. Working from home.
Office Assistant Mandy Skinner, M, W, F, 10:30-1:30, 812-340-9981, office (at) uubloomington.org. Working from home.
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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.
The Prologue is published on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Next issue is
June 21. Deadline is 10 am on date of publication, to admin (at) uubloomington.org
Church Mailing Address: UU Church,
2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington, IN 47408.
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Details on Membership & Offering
Membership: 561 certified members as of 2/1/2022;
562 current members.
Attendance:
May 15: 234
May 22: 165
May 29: 186
Non-Pledge Offering:
May 15 $703
May 22 $326
May 29 $716
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: $436.15
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 our congregation 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 interwebs |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, IN
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