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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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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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Friday, December 24, 2021
4:00 p.m. in person and on Zoom
Away in a Manger Service
Dr. Michele Grove
Dr. Stephanie Kimball
Reverend Bill Breeden
Come experience the Christmas Story! Families are invited to join us for an interactive Christmas Eve worship service in the Meeting Room on Friday, December 24th at 4:00 p.m. There is also an online option via Zoom available for families who wish to join us from home.
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Please register here to attend in person or on Zoom. Masks required for in person attendance, and space is limited to 50 people in the Meeting Room. (Online information will be sent to all who register, so that those who wish to do so may join us from home on Zoom. The service will not be livestreamed.)
- All who join us are welcome to bring a stuffed animal to be a part of the story.
- Also, everyone is encouraged to dress up as an angel, shepherd or animal. For those who visit in person, angel and shepherd headdresses will be available for anyone who wishes to use them.
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Friday, December 24, 2021
6:50 p.m. Gathering Music Begins
7:00 p.m. Livestream
Silent Night Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Reverend Bill Breeden
Reverend Dr. Susan Swaney and the Choir
Join us via livestream for a creative rendering of our traditional Christmas Eve service. We give this night to ourselves and others as a gift, embracing the stillness of our souls within the magic of music, bells, spoken word, silence and candlelight. In this worship service, may the stillness of the holy night bless you and all beings.
Musicians include The Loftman-Cusacks, Sylvia McNair, The Gift formerly known as Ray Fellman, the UU Children’s Choir, and the UUCB Car Choir and the UUCB Choir.
Registration is FULL for In-person Attendance at Candlelight Christmas Eve Service on December 24
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Sunday, December 26, 2021
10:15 a.m. Livestream and in-person
The Morning After--
A Dialogue with Rev. Bill Breeden and You
Reverend Bill Breeden and Glenda Breeden
We are working on a service that hopefully will be interactive, with opportunities for our live-stream viewers and in-house folks to join in the conversation. It will be a laid back coffee-on-the-table time to breathe, relax and bask in the grace of the morning after. I mean really, who wants to hear a sermon the morning after? There will be music, and the usual happenings with no order of service, but simply a time to be together. Hope you can join us in person or by virtue of the internet.
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Sunday, January 2, 2022
10:15 a.m. Livestream and in-person
You Are the Light of the World
Reverend Forrest Gilmore
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
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There is room for you at in-person worship
When deciding whether or not to attend in-person services, please take into account your health risk factors and the fact that we cannot ensure that all participants are vaccinated.
If you have any trouble registering, please email Carol Marks at admin(at)uubloomington.org or Monica Overman and Mandy Skinner at office(at)uubloomington.org, and we will register you.
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MAM Musing
People! Look East. For some reason, I really like saying that. In our Winter Solstice Service last night, I gave voice to the direction of East---new day, new beginnings, fresh perspective. May we all be blessed with such an outlook during this turning of the Yule year. IF you were not able to view the Winter Solstice Service last evening, here it is for viewing tonight. I find it magical and healing. Thanks to Reverend Emily Manvel Leite for its creation and Reverend Bill Breeden, the Children’s Choir directed by Jill Courtney, The Gift formerly known as Ray Fellman, our multi-media manager Hans Kelson, Jeanette AND Isabella, the other Directions, and all who participated. For a quiet time of healing and turning here is a gift:
To be honest, as the hymn lyricist, I probably would have written, "People, people, people, look East." Perhaps this is why my aspirations as a hymn writer never manifested.
With so much gratitude for all who keep the good church UUCB afloat and on course--Seeking the Spirit. Building Community. Changing the World.
Love and Gratitude to All,
Mary Ann
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
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Message from Michele
And now it is your turn!
Dear UU Bloomington members and friends,
In the past 4 months, I have gotten to know you and begun the discernment process around the congregation’s lifespan religious education future. This is liminal space which provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on your religious education values and dreams. Beth Lodge-Rigal and Drew Schrader are working with me to design an intentional discernment process for storytelling, reflection, and discernment.
In January, there are opportunities to gather and look at this congregation’s religious education heritage. See below for specific dates and times. Then in February, there are more opportunities to gather to discern this congregation’s religious education core values. In March, we will gather to dream UU Bloomington’s religious education future. We hope that each of you will participate. Lifespan religious education is an integral part of this congregation’s mission and vision.
There are specific learning programs for all ages AND there is learning in unexpected places. Because learning happens all the time, each of you has experience religious education and have something of value to share in this process. I look forward to hearing your stories and perspective. Thank you for all you give this community.
Dr. Michele Grove, Interim Religious Education Consultant
Embracing the Interim:
Exploring our Religious Education Heritage
Everyone is invited to be a part of one of these experiences. This is a time to tell stories, listen to stories and enjoy the beauty of this congregation’s religious education heritage. Everyone has stories. We hope you will join us for one of these sessions:
The in-person session will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022, 10:00 AM to Noon. Facilitators: Beth Lodge-Rigal and Michele Townsend Grove
The online session will be held on Sunday, January 23, 2022 Noon to 2:00 PM
Facilitators: Drew Schrader and Michele Townsend Grove
Shout Mouse Press Book Group
Washington, DC, youth authors write stories we need to hear. Starting in January 2022, Michele Grove will host a series of online and in person book groups to discuss some of these books. Each month will focus on different books. You can order your own books or come to the church library and read them (we do not have enough for check out but find them manageable. If you are interested, sign up here. We will organize the meetings at a later time using the information gathered through the registration form. If you wish to look at the books or order books of your own, go to: https://www.shoutmousepress.org/
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION UPDATE |
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Coming in January --
New Sunday Morning
RE Programming
We are planning new Sunday morning Religious Education programming beginning the second Sunday of January. Spirit Play will continue, along with a new program for children ages 7-13. Stay tuned for details, coming soon!
--Stephanie Kimball
Religious Education Coordinator
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Writing as a Spiritual Practice (Season 6)
A Drop-in Group with Rev. Barbara Child
Tuesdays, January 4 through February 22
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 1:00-2:00 p.m.
January 4 through February 22.
You need to register only once and can then attend as many Season 6 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.
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Fellowship Dinners Restarting
With caution and our fingers crossed, we are restarting Fellowship Dinners. If you are interested in the possibility of participating, please go to Fellowship Potluck Dinners Sign Up for detailed information on how we are handling the dinners. Please note that we are limiting the dinners to participants who have been fully vaccinated. If you choose to sign up and are signing up as a couple, please include both names on the sign up form. Also, after you have filled out the form, please be sure to click the Submit Form button. You will receive a confirmation email with the information you included on the form.
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Covid Memorial: Story Project
As part of the Covid Memorial, we invite you to share your stories of your experience of the pandemic. Simply make a 2-3 minute video recording of yourself telling about your experience, and upload it to our folder. Complete instructions, along with prompts, can be found here. If you prefer to have somebody else record you telling your story, please contact Stephanie Kimball to arrange an appointment at the church or at your residence. Stephanie can be reached at kimball(at)uubloomington.org. (photo below by Linda Mjolsnes)
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Covid Memorial Installation Update
Thank you to all those who have been co-creating our Covid Memorial. Everyone is invited to join in, and to invite your friends and neighbors to join in, too. To join in helping with this project, sign up here or contact Reverend Emily after January 3 (leite(at)uubloomington.org) to request 1 or more number rolls to record some of the numbers of people who have died of Covid in the US. We are creating a beautiful place of memory together. We are adding names and photographs to the Covid Memorial in the Meeting Room of some of those who have died of Covid. If you have lost a loved one whom you would like us to remember together, please send their names or images to Rev. Emily, leite (at) uubloomington.org
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Diaper Delivery Volunteers Needed for All-Options
Great quick and flexible volunteer opportunity! All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center is looking for a few folks to help with no contact diaper deliveries in the Bloomington area. Requests come about every 2-3 weeks and sign-up is optional each time. No training involved. Contact UU member Jess McCanse Marchbank at jess (at) all-options.org or leave a msg @ 812-558-0089.
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Faith and the Climate Crisis --
Inspiring Hope through Action
The Green Sanctuary Task Force encourages you to consider participation in "Faith and the Climate Crisis", a 4-part virtual Sunday school series presented by Presbyterian Climate Advocates. People of all faith backgrounds are most welcome to attend. More information and registration is available on the website.
- The first series is on 4 consecutive Sundays, January 9 - 30, 4:00 - 5:15 ET.
- There will be additional 4-part classes starting on April 24, July 10, and October 2.
Our mission is to inspire hope through action. The program includes scriptural themes, interviews with faith leaders, and solutions that range from individual to congregational to national policy. The policy component focuses on CCL's values and its nonpartisan advocacy for large-scale solutions, along with tools for taking action.
--Marcia Veldman
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Monthly Life Stories Writing Group
Welcomes New Members --
Next Meeting Thursday, January 6
Thinking about writing a story from your life? We invite you to join the monthly life writers, a supportive group that meets on the second Thursday of every month from 3 to 5, on Zoom. Attendees usually read short excerpts from work in progress. If you are new, it’s fine to just listen and ask a few questions. To get your Zoom invitation for January 6, email John Woodcock at woodcock(at)indiana.edu.
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UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, December 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 via Zoom at 12:45 pm. To join, contact Harold Ogren or Ann Watzel.
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UU Humanist Forum Meets Sunday, December 26,
12:45 pm
Every other Sunday at 12:45 pm, our UU Humanists meet together online on Zoom for discussion. David Keppel will lead a discussion on "War with China?" Email Harold Ogren or Ann Watzel 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 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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The League of Women Voters –
Making a Civic Difference in Our Community
The League of Women Voters has been fighting for voting rights and supporting voters for over 100 years. Shortly before ratification of the 19th Amendment, Carrie Chapman Catt founded the League to teach women how to use their newly guaranteed right to vote. From the beginning, the League has been nonpartisan. Are you interested in observing a facet of our local government? Providing a discussion forum between legislators and their constituents? Registering voters? Educating on climate change? Check out the LWV of Bloomington-Monroe County (https://lwv-bmc.org) or contact our membership chair, Kaye Hill, at membership (at) lwv-bmc.org. Membership is open to anyone 16 or older; students pay no dues. Take a look at what the national LWV is doing (https://www.lwvus.org). There’s a place for you and we’d love to talk with you about it. For more details on the League’s work, click here.
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COVID-19 Vaccination News
Vaccines for Ages 5 and Older!
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Change of Address Back to 2120 N. Fee Lane
Now that our staff is in the church building more often, we can once again receive all church mail at 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington, IN 47408.
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Your Church Office Staff is Available
by Phone and Email
Church office will be closed December 24-January 1 for winter holidays.
In case of a pastoral emergency, please contact Reverend Breeden at 812-360-1779 or Reverend Macklin at 812-322-0205.
Please be alert for email phishing scams during the holidays, when the scammers will no doubt be busy.
Here is how to be in touch with the church administrative staff during their office hours as they continue to work from home, after January 2.
Church Administrator Carol Marks, M-F, 10-4, 812-287-9615, admin@uubloomington.org
Office Assistant Monica Overman, T, Th, 10-1, Friday 12:30-3:30, 812-322-5546, office@uubloomington.org
Office Assistant Mandy Skinner, M, W, F, 10:30-1:30, 812-340-9981, office@uubloomington.org
The land line at the church 812-332-3695 is checked for messages twice weekly.
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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. Our staff are on break except for worship services, December 24-January 2.
After January 2, 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
January 4. Deadline is 10 am on date of publication, admin (at) uubloomington.org
Church Mailing Address is once again 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington, IN 47408.
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Details on Membership & Offering
Membership: 574 certified members as of 2/1/2021;
566 current members.
Non-Pledge Offering:
December 5 $106
December 12 $253
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: $89.91
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 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 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 by John Woodcock. |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, IN
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