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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 on Sunday mornings
Please note: June 19 through July 31
we will hold one Sunday service only, at 10:15 a.m.
Livestream:
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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Pandemic Guidelines from Our Re-opening Group
Masks Required Inside the Building
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 (Next Steps in Transition) 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, July 10, 2022
10:15 a.m.
In person and Livestream
Transitions and Perfection
Reverend David Pyle, guest in our pulpit
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
The MidAmerica Regional Lead, the Rev. David Pyle, will share with us the ways in which the conceptions of perfection that arise from the Unitarian side of our theology can make difficult the growth and change that is possible during transitional times, in our church, in our community, and in our selves. As we look towards our upcoming Interim Ministry, how can we prepare ourselves to make the most of this transitional time?
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Sunday, July 17, 2022
10:15 a.m.
In person and Livestream
Scott Russell Sanders, guest in our pulpit
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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 11:15 AM), during coffee hour (11:30-12:15 AM), and clean up afterwards (12:15 AM-12:35AM). Please note the new coffee hour times due to our temporary switch to one worship service. Java Crew questions? Contact Marlin Howard at howardm(at)indiana.edu Sign up here to keep the coffee flowing!
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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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Checks for UUCB Stolen in mid to late May:
Investigation Continues
PLUS: New Bloomington P.O. Box for Pledge Checks
In mid-May, several checks that were mailed to the church's street address were stolen, then cashed or deposited fraudulently. If you mailed a check to UUCB in May, and have not yet received an email confirming that UUCB received it, please contact your bank to see if the check has cleared. If the check was stolen, you should request that your bank investigate and refund the stolen funds to you. We have reported this incident to the US Postal Service and the Bloomington Police Department. The case number at the Bloomington Police is
# B22-23565, and to file a police report you can call Officer Rob Shrake at 812-349-3352. We expect that all these funds will be refunded to the check writers by their banks; several of our members have been affected by this theft, and their banks are actively investigating. If you are not sure whether your check was received by the church, please contact admin (at) uubloomington.org. For those with online access, we also encourage you to use our online giving page at uucb.churchcenter.com/giving, to make sure your gifts are safely received by the church.
For those who prefer to send paper checks, we have rented a new PO Box and we request that pledge checks be sent there and no longer sent to our Fee Lane address. Here is where to send your pledge checks:
UU Church
PO Box 8132
Bloomington, IN 47407
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Note from Rev. Bill
UUCB begins a new journey come August as we welcome our Interim Minister, the Reverend Connie Grant. I just want to take a few spaces of this Prologue to remind every member and friend that the heart and soul of this amazing congregation is the love and warmth of the community of folks that sits in the pews, joins us on line, and supports us for the future of our children and our planet.
We have been immensely blessed by twenty years of ministry under the leadership of Reverend Mary Ann. We gave her a great celebration as we said goodbye and good luck. Let us remember that we have been here before, and we know that ministers come to serve, and eventually retire or move to another ministry. We can now honor Mary Ann’s service by our commitment to the life of this community as we move through a time of transition. Let us trust one another to continue be a justice seeking, loving community, and to provide a place for seekers of justice and peace for generations to come.
Peace—Rev. Bill
Reverend Bill Breeden, Minister Emeritus
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Emily's Post
Dear Ones,
What a time we are living in. The painful events keep on coming, like blows to our bodies. In this time, I am grateful to be a subscriber to our congregational friend Carrie Newcomer’s blog, A Gathering of Spirits. She recently wrote,
“When so much feels wrong and broken, what is still whole and beautiful? What still makes sense in senseless times?”
All of us will answer that in our own way each day. Today, I am feeling the beauty of a stranger’s kindness–they saw papers fly off of the back of my car as I made a turn and drove after me, catching up at a traffic light several blocks later to let me know. They didn’t realize that with the papers were my journal and cell phone–but when I went back, everything was still there. I watched my phone and journal be run over, yet when I recovered them, both were, miraculously, fine. There are many things that are still right with the world. Kindness is a big one.
You can hear Naomi Shihab Nye reading her poem “Kindness” by clicking here.
And Carrie offers this in her poem Making Sense:
…In a senseless time
I hold close to what never stopped
Making sense.
Like love
Like trees
Like how a seed becomes a sapling,
And a sapling becomes a canopy of branches.
Like the scent at the very top of an infant’s head
Because there is nothing more right than that.
Nothing.
It is all still happening.
Even now.
Even now.
For me, Carrie's writing is another whole and beautiful thing in this hurting world. Even as we absorb the blows, I hope all of us will be able to catch our breath and discover there are many things that make sense to us, too.
Sending my love,
Emily
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Minister of Story and Ritual
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Soul Circle --
Monday, July 18, 7:00 - 8:30pm
These last couple weeks have been a lot to take in. When the news is devastating and relentless, it can be tempting to just shut down and tune it out. And sometimes that's the right thing to do: pain and darkness can make it difficult to attend to the people around us, to do our jobs, and to take in life's many blessings. But another way to stay centered in dark times is to come together in community to share our sorrows and hopes, anger and ideas.
On Monday, July 18 at 7:00 p.m. in our Library, Stephanie Kimball and Rev. Emily Manvel Leite will host a time for reflection and sharing. This will be a chance for all to use writing and discussion to explore our own feelings and bear witness to each other, and mostly to be held in a space of love and care. No matter what you're feeling or where you are in your processing, we hope you will join us. Please register so we know how many to expect.
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Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Curriculum
Part of our response to the recent loss of reproductive rights in this country is to increase our commitment to lifespan sexuality education. Now more than ever, it is imperative that all people have the knowledge and skills to develop healthy relationships, make informed decisions, and know what options and resources are available to them.
Our Whole Lives sexuality education (OWL) is a comprehensive, lifespan program that offers age-appropriate, reliable information about sexuality, reproduction, relationships, consent, and more. Such education is one key component in avoiding unwanted pregnancies and supporting people making informed decisions about their bodies and their lives.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Reproductive Rights Task Force, we are now able to double our training opportunities for new OWL facilitators. The task force will also be helping recruit new trainers, and develop outreach to the community as new courses are offered.
If you would like to be part of our OWL facilitation team, please contact Stephanie (kimball (at) uubloomington.org) as soon as possible, as trainings are filling up quickly! Our congregation will pay for all our facilitators' trainings.
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Call for Teachers and other Religious Education Volunteers
Religious education is an important factor for families seeking a spiritual home, and is key to keeping new members engaged. Please support the UUCB community by helping to ensure robust program offerings for children and youth.
Important features of religious education volunteering:
~ Flexible scheduling, no minimum requirement
~ "No prep" options available
~ You choose your age group
~ Non Sunday-morning options available
~ Training and support provided
And best of all, religious educators
~ get to know kids and families
~ explore UU topics
~ connect with other teachers
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Spirit Play Training
A special training for Spirit Play facilitators will be held August 6, from 9am to 4pm. Please register here. For information about the Spirit Play curriculum, please contact Stephanie Kimball, Director of Religious Education, kimball (at) uubloomington.org
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We’re Hiring Childcare Providers!
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 starts at $13/hour. Please contact Stephanie Kimball (kimball(at)uubloomington.org) if you are interested or have any questions.
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From our Reproductive Justice Task Force
As Thursday's swearing in of Judge Jackson took place, Pro Choice citizens knew there was still an uphill battle to deal with the disaster we have now and a climb to seemingly impossible heights to get our rights back. The Indiana special session is delayed until 7/25, so there's a little more time to take action!
There are many ways to help:
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Donate to the Hoosier Abortion Fund. (More info below)
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Email your legislators, especially to share personal stories. You can also contact Governor Eric Holcomb.
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Talk with family and friends; this empowers people to see how the issue affects them, spread the word, vote, and take action.
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Attend events to show support, who we are, and how committed we are. (See below!)
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Get out the vote! Educate yourself about the issues and pass on what you learn to motivate others to vote as well.
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Saturday, July 9, 1:00 pm
Military Park at White River State Park in Indianapolis
"We want to bring together people from across Indiana to demonstrate broad support for the strengthening of Roe v. Wade protections and opposition to any attempts to undermine a person's right to choose. We've put together this kick-off Rally as an opportunity for pro-choice supporters to come together in solidarity. Our rally will be neither confrontational nor angry. We will gather with flags and banners, signs and drums—and more than enough swag for the whole year!—in a peaceful show of numbers, strength, and determination. Organizations will share information about their work that protects and promotes reproductive freedom, as well as volunteering opportunities for those interested in on-going action." RSVP here. There will be a rideshare leaving the church parking lot at 11:45 a.m. on July 9, to carpool to this event.
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Monroe County Democratic Party Town Hall
on Dobbs Decision and Impact on Hoosiers
Resistance After Roe: Where Do We Go From Here?
Sunday, July 10, 4:00 p.m.
Monroe County Public Library Auditorium
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Support Abortion Rights and Access through
All Options Pregnancy Resource Center
The most effective way to support abortion rights and access is to donate to our local All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center. They administer the Hoosier Abortion Fund. The local Planned Parenthood charges over twice what other independent clinics charge, so the efforts of All Options to refer elsewhere make the funds go a lot further. They are currently able to fully fund all requests, which have more than doubled in number recently. However, very soon costs may increase astronomically, if travel to another state becomes necessary. To donate, choose the drop down menu option for 'Hoosier Abortion Fund' on this site: all-options.networkforgood.com
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Thanks to everyone who marched with us July 4th for Immigrant and Refugee Justice!
UU Refugee & Immigration Support
Task Force
Barb Backler, bbackler (at) gmail.com
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Looking for Women Builders
for Habitat's September Women+ Build!
UU Habitat Task Force is now recruiting women for our 35-member team participating in the Habitat for Humanity’s Women+ Build on Tuesday, Sept. 20. The community-wide build from Sept. 9-24 will construct the last two homes for local families in Habitat’s Trail View neighborhood off the B-Line near Rogers and 11th streets.
Our team this year, headed by co-leaders Barb Berggoetz, Abby Gitlitz and Anne Brahaum, is bringing together women from UU and the Bloomington Creative Glass Center and friends who’d like to join. Read more...
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Gladys DeVane Presents the Work of
Frances Watkins Harper
Wednesday, July 13 at Beth Shalom
Please join Dr. Gladys DeVane on Wednesday, July 13th at Beth Shalom Synagogue where she will facilitate a multimedia presentation and perform select works of Frances Watkins Harper (1825-1922)…a woman who left her mark as a novelist, poet, activist, speaker, and teacher. Her famous speech, We Are All Bound Up Together, delivered in 1866 at the Eleventh Annual Women’s Rights Convention in In New York City, is perhaps one of the most significant speeches of that tumultuous time.
You will hear the voice of Frances Harper through her prose and poetry, and journey with her through a time when being a woman presented unique challenges, and being a black woman presented even more unusual challenges.
Cost: Free Admission
Date: Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Place: Beth Shalom Synagogue, 3750 E. 3rd Street
Time; 7:00 - 8:30 pm
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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:
Dry Cereal, Canned Food, Condiments, Bottled Water, Protein Drinks, Coffee, Pasta, Hygiene Products, Clothes (esp. Socks), Tea.
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Women’s Alliance
Thursday, July 7, 11:30 a.m. via Zoom and in Person
General Assembly Update
All are welcome to join the Women's Alliance on Thursday, July 7th, via Zoom or in Fellowship Hall (masks required, no eating or drinking inside the building) beginning at 11:30 a.m. Come hear about results of the June 2022 General Assembly held in Portland, Oregon. Eleven UUCB delegates attended virtually and in person. Hear about the changes taking place in our Association, critical topics being discussed, and learn what other congregations are doing. Among the presenters are Stuart Yoak, Barb Backler, Dan Wiseman, and Madison Colquette. The formal program and Q&A begins at 11:45. The Zoom code is 892-5381-3567. Password 160510. See you there!
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UU Online Book Club Discusses Search: A Memoir with Recipes, Monday, July 11, 6:30 p.m.
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Online Directory Photos
With the recent and upcoming arrival of new staff and members, we are encouraging all to upload a profile photo to the UUCB online directory. This can be done by going to the "profile" section of Church Center (accessible by clicking HERE) and clicking on the circle with your initials in it. You will then be prompted to upload a picture from your computer. If you have any difficulties with this, or find this request particularly daunting, please don't hesitate to email a picture of yourself to connect(at)uubloomington.org and I will add it to your profile! More detailed instructions will also be available in the near future.
~With gratitude, Anabel Watson
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CHANGE OF DATE FOR THE HOLIDAY BAZAAR--
November 4 and 5, 2022
- Social Media Chair
- Artisan support
- Sign up and recruiting
- Publicity
- Set up/tear down
- Treasurers (2 of these, plus helpers)
- Friday Café coordinator
- Saturday Café coordinator
- Pie chair person
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UU Humanists Meet Sunday, July 10, 12:45 p.m.
on Zoom
The UU Humanists will meet this Sunday at 12:45 p.m. online via Zoom. Rich Janda will facilitate a discussion on "Demolition and promotion of emotions in politics and culture." To join the discussion, contact Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren.
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UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, July 17, 12:45 pm
on Zoom
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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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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Community Connections
Our Faith at Work in the Community
Volunteer at the American Red Cross
Say "YES!" and make an impact supporting local Disaster Relief and Blood Drives at the American Red Cross. Contact Mary Boutain at 812-202-8269 for more information or click here.
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How to Reach the Administrative Staff
Church Administrator Carol Marks can be reached at 812-287-9615 or admin (at) uubloomington.org, M-F 10-4.
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
July 19. Deadline is 10 am on date of publication, to admin (at) uubloomington.org
Church Mailing Address: UU Church,
PO Box 8132, Bloomington IN 47407
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Details on Membership & Offering
Membership: 561 certified members as of 2/1/2022;
563 current members.
Attendance:
June 19: 84
June 26: 132
Non-Pledge Offering:
June 19: $576
June 26: $529
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: $276.00
Grocery Card Sales: (Bloomingfoods or Fresh Thyme) $0; Total income to UUCB: $0
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, PO Box 8132, Bloomington, IN 47407) 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 a return envelope.
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Masthead photo from our photo archive. |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana
PO Box 8132 Bloomington, IN 47407
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