The Prologue                                     Tuesday, February 21, 2017
  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

Sunday, February 26, 2017 
9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
"A Living Sanctuary: Who Will You Harbor?"
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
In this worship service, we will explore the theme of identity and sanctuary.  What does it mean to find safe harbor?  To offer sanctuary?   In these times of rising hostilities, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and divisiveness, we liberal religious seekers must embrace our shadow and light, allowing "love to guide us through the hard night." 
Sunday, March 5, 2017 
9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
"Sacred Dying: A 21st Century Call"
Dr. Megory Anderson
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
     We are honored to have Dr. Megory Anderson in our pulpit on March 5th.  
Dr. Anderson is an author, theologian and educator who has helped hundreds of people through the transition from life to death. She is founder and executive director of the Sacred Dying Foundation, with which our congregation has partnered for our Vigilng At Life's End (VALE) outreach program. VALE's mission is to vigil with those in long-term care facilities who are at risk of dying alone.
      We will host a reception for Dr. Anderson in Fellowship Hall at 2pm Sunday afternoon to which other faith communities and long-term care staff will be invited.  At 2:30pm Dr. Anderson will offer a short presentation and respond to questions. 
      Congregation members and friends are encouraged attend worship Sunday morning and the reception in the afternoon.   Other community events can be found in Reverend Macklin's column, MAM's Musings, below.
Having Problems with the Sunday Livestream?
If you experience difficulty viewing the livestream of our Sunday services on Sunday mornings, please contact the church office and speak with Monica or Deeva at 812-332-3695, ext. 204, and let us know so we can investigate. If you experience problems with viewing an archived video, please contact Andy at media@uubloomington.org.  
Your Board of Directors
      A few important things to cover this week! We start with applause for "Seeking. Building. Changing." --an electronic newsletter from our congregation started last week reflecting our ministry to our changing world and a strong example of putting our vision of Seeking the Spirit, Building Community, Changing the World into practice. If for some reason you didn't receive it, we recommend contacting the UUCB office to subscribe.
      And speaking of our changing world, another round of applause to Reverend Macklin for her statement in the Herald Times  on Sunday  regarding Sanctuary. The Board has been in discussion with the ministers about this subject. It is a challenging issue, and we must consider our own needs, legally and logistically, for worship, RE, and community. But given our principles setting forth the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and the need for justice, equity and compassion in human relations, sanctuary is a subject we are considering with all due gravity.
       Finally, we thank the many members of the congregation who gave feedback to the Healthy Communications Covenant and Committee draft the Board circulated last year. We have listened and incorporated your feedback. We heard your request to make the relationship with our seven principles clearer, and to focus on being positive. We hope you agree with us the result is an improved draft. The new "Draft 2" will be posted in the foyer and on the web at  http://www.uubloomington.org/about-us/board-of-directors/
       Over the coming months, board members will be reaching out to and visiting task forces and groups in the church to discuss the new drafts. Please feel free to contact us if you'd like us to visit your group. We will be holding a Town Hall between services on  April 30th , and, as usual, you can talk with us at the "Lucy Booth" during coffee hour on the last Sunday of the month or you can also reach us via email. We look forward to continuing the conversation.

Your Board of Directors: Von Welch  von@vwelch.com, Connie Nelson Laird  cnelsonlaird@gmail.com, Arzetta Hults-Losensky  zetta@bluemarble.net, Deborah Hutton  huttond@iu.edu, Doug Cauble  Dcauble53@gmail.com, Helmut Hentschel  hhentschel5@gmail.com, Pat Brantlinger  brantli@indiana.edu.      
MAM's Musings
     Amidst the daily, difficult challenges of our country's political landscape, the " normal" losses, sickness, and suffering of life continue in our lives and the lives within our community.   This congregation's Vigiling At Life's End (VALE) program, which serves those at risk of dying alone in long-term care facilities, will enter its fifth month in March.  In order to launch this program back in November, our congregation partnered with Sacred Dying Foundation (California) for training, education and guidance.
      We are looking forward to a visit from Sacred Dying Foundation founder, Dr. Megory Anderson who will be in Bloomington March 3-6 for several public events as well as time in our pulpit. Please join us for the following public events if you are available.
  • Friday, March 3, 1-2:30 pm; "Dying to Talk About It: An Open Forum on End of Life Issues," in Lamkin Hall at the Ivy Tech Community College campus, 200 Daniels Way, Bloomington. This conversation will be a time for students and professionals in health-care related fields as well as community members to discuss how we care for the dying.
  • Monday, March 6, 1-2:30 pm; a panel discussion on "Dying Differently: How the 21st Century is Changing How We Die," 714 South Rogers, Room 218, Bloomington. *Parking is available in the lower Bloomington Hospital Lot #4, with a short walk up to 714 South Rogers.* This panel discussion will be moderated by Rev. Mary Ann Macklin, senior minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, and features Marielle Abell, physician assistant for palliative care services at IU Health Bloomington; Dr. Rob Stone, associate director of IU Health Bloomington Hospice; Rev. Wendy VanderZee, spiritual and pastoral services coordinator for hospice and IU Health Bloomington; and Dr. Megory Anderson. The panelists will focus on questions surrounding the impact of modern technology, palliative care, hospice, and community-based care for those at the end of life. Clergy, health-care professionals, counselors, and members of the community are welcome to attend the event.  
May the sanctuary in our lives bless those around us.
Peace, MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin  
Engaging with the World
       As a fan of the musical "Hamilton," I listen to many of its songs regularly. One particular phrase is stuck in my mind lately--it might surprise you because it's not the most common sentiment these days. But, I keep recalling characters in the show singing, "Look around--at how lucky we are to be alive right now!" Even amidst the stressors we face right now, there is considerable energy in our congregation and larger community--energy that is creative and connecting us to one another.
       As we try to ride that wave of energy, there are many opportunities to engage with the world. Rev. Mary Ann writes of the vigil program (VALE), and recently we have set up ways to learn more about social justice events at http://www.uubloomington.org/home/social-justice-updates/.
       There are a couple more events I would like to highlight, coming up on 
Wednesday, March 1. From 6-7:30 pm, UUCB is hosting an event (co-sponsored by the Just Peace Task Force) about productive and effective ways of engaging your legislators. "How to Talk So Your Legislators Will Listen" will be led by State Representative  Matt Pierce.  And then b etween 7-9 pm that evening, there is a benefit event at Upland Brewing Company, to raise funds for the Exodus Refugee Immigration organization. This organization works throughout Indiana to help resettle refugees (as you know, they were working on Bloomington resettlement, though recent political changes have altered those plans for the near future). For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/250507532060286/

Reverend Scott McNeill, Associate Minister
Memorial Service for Cherry Merritt-Darriau
Saturday, February 25
Hello UU friends --
On Saturday, February 25th at 2:00 p.m.  a memorial service will be held here at the church honoring the life and memory of Cherry Grace Merritt-Darriau,  November 2, 1930-February 3, 2016.  The Darriau family invites you to come celebrate and remember Cherry's 40 plus year membership in the UU Church and her long and varied life--from Charleston to Minnesota to her 56 rich and engaged years in Bloomington. Cherry touched the lives and hearts of many folks and we hope to share memories, stories, songs, chants and laughs. The service will be led by Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, and will be followed by a short reception. If anyone would like to contribute a story or the like, please contact the family through Cherry's Facebook page  Cherry Merritt Darriau Memorial  or Matt at  paradox@sprynet.com --we will try to accommodate . -- Matt Darriau 
  Seeking the Spirit 
Religious Education spring semester has begun  and registration is ongoing. Newcomers and visitors are encouraged to visit RE classes. Registration is required after 3 visits.  All children must be registered annually. Once registered you receive weekly emails about your child's class, upcoming events for families and are invited to light the chalice on Sunday for your birthday. You may register your child through the church database, in person at the church, or print out a form here: http://www.uubloomington.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/UU-Church-of-Bloomington-Religious-Education-Registration-2016-2017.pdf        

First Monday Poetry Sharing
Join us in this ongoing monthly group for poetry lovers! Bring a poem 
to share that you enjoy. Next meeting is Monday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m. in the Library at church. Contact Bob Taylor for info, bstaylor1@comcast.com  


Shambhala Meditation Every Monday at Noon
Join us at  12 noon every  Monday in the Library for an hour of Shambhala Meditation, walking meditation, and Shamatha yoga with Sarah Flint. Beginners welcome in this 2500-year-old  tradition. 
 
  Traditional Taiji on Tuesdays and Saturdays
   Brian Flaherty leads Taiji in Fellowship Hall on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. This form practices the "Wu (Hao)" style of taijiquan, including practice of standing exercises, forms, and "pushing hands." Anyone is welcome, even those with no experience.
     Please wear loose-fitting clothing.  
 
Open Mind Zen Bloomington 
Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
   Join Frank Seisho Diaz for meditation, talks, and discussions on Zen Buddhism,  Mondays 7:00-8:30 p.m.,  in Room 110 here at the church. All are welcome regardless  of faith or experience;  freewill donation.       NO MEETING ON FEBRUARY 20th or 27th. More    
   info:  openmindzenbloomington@gmail.com  or 
 
   
Ministry Themes for 2016-17
   We will be exploring the following themes for the remainder of the 2016-17  church year.   October: Healing November: Story,  December: Presence, January: Prophecy,  February: Identity, March: Risk, 
April: Transformation,  May: Embodiment, June: Zest

  Building Community  
pre-2005
Women's Alliance Meets March 2
       Our February 2nd program was "Citizen's Climate Lobby" with Marcia Veldman.  What we can do: contact members of Congress, get engaged, reduce our own carbon footprints, join CCL and lobby.
      Our  March 2 nd   program is "Creative Glass Center" with Abby Gitlitz.  The Bloomington Creative Glass Center offers classes for students of all ages and skill levels in glass blowing, glass casting, and the history of glass.
Hosts are Julie Cauble and Dian Robbins.  Come and join us and see what we are all about.
        The Women's Alliance meets the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 am in Fellowship Hall; enter through court yard doors. Meetings begin with a brown bag lunch; drinks and dessert are provided by hosts of the month.  The program begins at noon, followed by the business meeting. -- Julie Cauble, Vice President
UUCB Library News:
We'd like to make newcomers aware we have a church library collection with books and A/V materials available to be checked out when the church Library is not in use for a meeting. The Ralph and Annetta Fuchs Library is in Room 206 on the 2nd floor.  Materials are mainly on religion, Unitarian Universalism, and current social justice topics. Due to limited shelf space, we are beginning to remove items that do not meet the mission of the library.  Donations or questions may be directed to the Librarian, Anne Haynes, at 812-360-2619.  Other members of the Library Committee are Judy Bennett, Glee Noble, and Ginny Richey. 
Denominational Affairs
Regional and National UU Conferences This Year
Going Deeper into Unitarian Universalism
Members are invited to consider becoming a delegate to one of these annual meetings:     
1.  MidAmerica UU Regional Assembly April 28-30 in Oak Brook, Illinois -- outside Chicago.
     2.  UUA General Assembly June 21-25 in New Orleans, Louisiana
     Speak to some of the delegates who attended last year's meetings:  Doug Cauble, Marlin Howard, Martha Foster and Earon Davis, Pat Brantlinger. 
     PLEASE JOIN US at the getting involved table this  Sunday, February 26th  between services and see what the UUA and the Mid-America Conferences  will be doing this year. We are eligible to send  ten delegates this year to each of these conferences.
     All three of the candidates for President of the UUA will be speaking at the Regional  Conference.  All delegates and absentee delegates to General Assembly will be able  to vote for our new UUA President at the June meeting.
     These will be very important meetings. Please consider being a delegate.
--Iris Kiesling, Denominational Affairs,  ifkiesling@aol.com
or 812-332-5224.

Additional Adult Religious Education Opportunity
Unwinding Internalized Misogyny
Wednesday, March 8, 6:30-9 pm (please arrive no later than 6:30pm)
Facilitated by Laughing Womyn Ashonosheni, Reverend Mary Ann  Macklin, 
Reverend Scott McNeill
These concurrent gatherings 
       *For women and teenage girls in Room 110
       *For men and teenage boys in Room 112
are focused on healing the detrimental effects of living in male-dominated cultures. Come unwind your internalized story and free yourself to be the one who defines you.  We will ask:  Who are you supposed to be?   What are you supposed to care about?   How are you supposed to look?   How are you supposed to behave?
Preregistration is required.  Please call or email the church office to register: 812-332-3695office@uubloomington.org
Those who identify as non-binary are welcome at the gathering of their choice.  
A follow-up non-binary workshop will be offered  March 29
Getting Involved Fair Series Continues February 26
Looking for new ways to seek the spirit, build community and change the world? Mark your calendar! On  February 12, 19 and 26,  a different set of groups from our church will be available each Sunday during coffee hour in Fellowship Hall to assist you. Friendly folks will be standing by, ready to share info, answer questions, and invite you to get involved in activities and serve the church in ways that interest you.  --Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator  
 
Racial Justice Task Force Bake Sale February 26
Be sure to buy something delicious this Sunday at the Racial Justice Task Force Bake Sale, which will take place at the same time as the Getting Involved Fair, in Fellowship Hall.
Current Membership: 491
Attendance: 
Sunday, February 12    9:15: 144   11:15: 191  TOTAL: 335
Sunday, February 19    9:15: 116   11:15: 185  TOTAL: 301
Non-pledge offering:
February 12: $ 765.80      February 19: $ $594.90
Total to be donated to New Leaf-New Life $ 340.18
Grocery Cards Fundraiser: 
Feb 12: $125.00, income to UUCB: $6.25       Feb 19: $750.00, income to UUCB: $38.00

UU Humanist Forum Meets on Alternating Sundays
This group offers an opportunity for regular, open, wide-ranging discussions of issues relating to morality and ethics, human development, and the nature of the universe. The bi-weekly forum will meet next on Sunday, February 26 at 12:45 p.m. in Room 208.   The topic will be "Beginnings and Endings of Religion" presented by Rich Janda.  A complete list of winter topics can be found here.  
UU Freethinkers Group Enjoys Free Ranging Discussion  
The purpose of the UU Freethinkers bi-weekly meeting is to create the opportunity for participants to raise questions and engage in open and non-structured discussion of issues of social concern, political concern, and theological/religious concern. UU Freethinkers meet on alternating Sundays after children's religious education classes end, in Room 208.   UU Freethinkers meet next on Sunday, March 5, at 12:45 p.m. 
  Changing the World   
Harmony Music Fest Interfaith Habitat Build Fundraiser for Habitat  
Friday, February 24 
Come hear some great music by local musicians from UU, other faith communities and friends at the Harmony Music Fest on Friday, Feb. 24, at UU. The event is a fundraiser for the CommUNITY Interfaith Build of Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County. Among musicians performing will Sarah Flint and Hoosier Darling, Jason Blankenship and David Sharp, Mike McGregor, Craig Brenner, John Walsh and Andy and Hank Ruff. Light refreshments will be served; wine and beer will be sold. Tickets at the door: $10 admission, adults; $8 for students. All proceeds support the interfaith build.  

Seeking Donations of Appetizers for February 24 Fundraiser
Our Habitat for Humanity Task Force needs donations of appetizers for the Harmony Music Festival at the church on February 24. The money raised at the music festival will help fund the Interfaith Habitat Build in March. If you can donate appetizers, please sign up via this link:  https://mealtrain.com/k94y8r  
Appetizers need to be dropped off at the church kitchen before 5:30 pm on February 24. Thank You!


Interfaith Builders Needed March 31-April 2 
The UU Habitat Task Force is looking for 30 builders to work half-days on March 31, April 1 and April 2 on the CommUNITY Interfaith Build in the Trail View westside neighborhood. Builders will work with members of several other faith communities to frame up a house for a Monroe County family of six. Anyone 16 years old and older is welcome to build; no financial contribution is necessary. Builders also will be needed on the  next 11 Saturdays, too. If you're interested, please contact Barb Berggoetz, barbberg@bluemarble.net , or call 812-320-8422. Anyone also can support the build financially by going to communitybuild.kintera.org and contributing to the UU team.

Habitat Women Build Team is Forming for May 11 
The UU Habitat Women Build team needs 35 UU women and friends who can work on Thursday, May 11, as part of a community-wide effort of area women to build two homes in Trail View neighborhood from April 28 to May 13. Each volunteer builder needs to fundraise and/or donate a minimum of $250 to participate and will be able to set up fundraising pages online at womenbuild.kintera.org. Funds raised will also sponsor a Habitat house in El Salvador, the local Habitat's affiliate chapter. Also, please consider donating to our team online, too. For more information, contact Barb Berggoetz, barbberg@bluemarble.net    
Support Run Ranger Run 
for Military Veterans  During February
     The Veteran and Military Family Support Team of the Just Peace Task Force is participating in Run Ranger Run. This annual event raises awareness of transition issues for military veterans. Awareness is raised by talking with folks and (as a team) completing 565 miles of run, walk, and bike in the month of February. 
     Throughout February, you will see Phil Cooper, John Summerlot, Matt Stonecipher, Ruth Ann Cooper, Ann LeDuc and others wearing their Run Ranger Run shirts and talking with folks about veterans'  transitions. To make a donation, go to  www.runrangerrun.com  and click on donate. Our team is called "WeR4U" and you'll probably recognize the logo. Click here to go direct to our team's donate page.
Green Sanctuary Task Force Spring  Clothing   Swap   March 25
      T he 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?
       Each spring and fall, we hold a Clothing Swap to offer an alternative to buying new clothes.  This spring's Swap will be held in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, 
March 25 from 10 am until 12 noon with drop-off starting at 9:30 am.
       Mark your calendars and start cleaning out your closets.  If it would be helpful to you to have childcare provided at this event, please contact Stephanie Kimball (Kimball.stephanie@gmail.com) as soon as possible.   
Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
 
Advocacy Teams Launch Workshop February 27
Be the Change Congress Needs:  
Friends Committee on National Legislation
Date: Monday February 27, 2017
Time: 5:30pm Soup 6:00 - 9:00 pm Workshop
Location: First United Church, 2420 E. Third Street
Time and time again, people from across the U.S. see our elected officials struggle to solve the problems that matter most. Instead, money, corporations and apathy continue to feed governmental gridlock. We're left wondering - what can we do to restore our democracy? I n-person meetings with your members of Congress are the most effective way to influence policy decisions. Change in Congress starts with you.  Please join Maiya Zwerling, National Field Organizer, for this workshop. Click here for more info.

Matt Pierce on How to Talk So Your Legislators will Listen, 
March 1
Join us on Wednesday, March 1 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Learn how to make your voice heard. Representative Matt Pierce will give a presentation on how to effectively work with your legislators in a way that is useful and productive. There will be time for questions and answers after the presentation. Hosted by Just Peace Task Force.    
Orion Day
Beacon Young Adult/Campus Ministry
Orion Day, our Young Adult/Campus Ministry Coordinator, can be reached at  beacon@uubloomington.org and keeps office hours at the Indiana Memorial Union Room 577. Stop by and say hello!  





Contact a Minister


Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, our Senior Minister,
can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 201 and is available by appointment on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. macklin@uubloomington.org


 

Reverend Scott McNeill, our Associate Minister,  
can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 209 and is available by appointment on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.   mcneill@uu bloomington.org . He can also be reached on his mobile phone, 703-577-0919 and for after-hours pastoral emergencies, please call him at 812-727-0919.



Reverend Emily Manvel Leite our Minister of Religious Education,  can be reached at 
812-332 -3695, ext. 207  on Weds and Fri mornings.  mre@uubloomington.org    
 

Livestreaming Our Sunday Services  
You can view the livestream of our Sunday services and view archived video from the last few months at this link:    uubloomington.yourstreamlive.com 
Please let us know if you have a problem with the livestream, by emailing media@uubloomington.org
Please Don't Park on the Grass
We keep thinking it might snow (we are such dreamers), but we do know for sure that there will be mud. So please don't park in grassy areas on the church property or across Fee Lane by the ball diamonds. IU has specifically requested us not to park in the grass on their property because of the damage it causes. Please help. Thanks, Carol Marks, Ch.Admin.
Snow Awareness
When travel conditions become hazardous after snowfall or ice storms, please always check our home page, www.uubloomington.org, or our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/uubloomington, or www.wfiu.org  for updates on event cancellations or delays.
Deeva, Carol, and Monica
Who Ya Gonna Call? 
Contact Info for 
the Church Office 
     The church office is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and for 45 minutes following each Sunday service. If you notice something about our building that needs attention, please contact Church Administrator Carol Marks right away at 812-332-3695 ext. 200 or admin@uubloomington.org and she will call the experts to take care of it. 
     If you have general administrative questions, questions about your pledge and contributions, reserving a room for a meeting, etc., you may also contact Monica Overman or Deeva Khatiwada, our Office Assistants, at 812-332-3695 ext. 204 or office@uubloomington.org.
Church Calendar 
A link to our church calendar can be found on this page of our website. 
Facebook 
Many church events also appear on our Facebook page.
Prologue Publication Schedule 
The Prologue is edited by Carol Marks. The deadline for articles is 10 a.m. on the date of publication, which is the first and third Monday of each month, with exceptions for federal Monday holidays.
Next few issues:  March 6 and 20, April 3 and 17, May 1 and 15. 
Masthead photo by Jack King. Dilcher-Turner Canyon Forest, Greene County, Indiana
Unitarian Universalist Church