The Prologue                                        Tuesday, February 5, 2019
  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 10, 2019
9:15 am and 11:15 am
"Knowing Ourselves: Undoing Racism as Spiritual Practice" 
Reverend Scott McNeill
Recently, the UUA and UU Service Committee partnered with the American Friends Service Committee to create a program entitled, "Knowing Ourselves: Undoing Racism as Spiritual Practice."  This is a perfect convergence for Black History Month with our February theme of "knowing." We will take a look back at our history and a look forward to our work for racial justice. With the choir reprising their astonishing rendition of "Rise Up" by Audra Day, it's a Sunday you won't want to miss!
Sunday, February 17, 2019
9:15 am and 11:15 am
"What Is a Person Worth?"
Reverend Forrest Gilmore
Dorothy Day tells us, "The Gospel takes away our right forever to discriminate between the deserving and the undeserving poor." What makes someone deserving? What makes someone undeserving? What makes someone worthy? What makes someone unworthy? What is a person worth?
Internet Safety
   It's a good idea to review internet safety precautions from time to time. The recent scamming/phishing incident, with a criminal from outside our community impersonating Rev. Macklin using a fake email address, is an impetus to remind ourselves that email and the internet are sometimes used fraudulently. Here is some info from Google on this topic:  https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8253
When in doubt, just delete!  
   We have removed visible email addresses from The Prologue and our website as a precaution. If you cannot see the address you need, please consult your directory or call us at 812-332-3695.  --Carol Marks, Church Administrator
MidAmerica UU Assembly Coming Soon!
     It's just two months until the MidAmerica Regional Assembly, and we hope you're inspired to attend. The conference is in St. Louis this year, on the weekend of April 5-7. Click here for info  https://www.uua.org/midamerica. We're especially hopeful that folks from Bloomington will attend this year's Regional Assembly because the UUA General Assembly (held in mid-June) is in Spokane, Washington, (and while that's exciting - it's just a little bit further away than a four-hour drive). Click here for info: https://www.uua.org/midamerica
     There are many past attendees to these conferences in our congregation, if you'd like to learn more; but, often the inspiration behind attending comes from wanting to connect with other Unitarian Universalists from the Midwest, and experiencing workshops and worship in a new setting. This year's theme is, "Intersectionality" and UUA President Susan Frederick-Gray will speak. Additionally, our own Rev. Mary Ann Macklin and Frank Diaz will lead a workshop about cultural issues related to death and dying.
     If you're interested in attending Regional Assembly, please email me ( mcneill (at) uubloomington.org) so that I can work with our Denominational Affairs coordinator (Iris Kiesling) to work on funding possibilities. We have 11 member delegate slots (for the business aspect of the conference). If you can't attend this conference, but are interested in learning more about these opportunities (there are summer camps, weekend retreats, volunteer possibilities, and more), you can also email me for more information.

In faith,
  Scott
Reverend Scott McNeill,  Associate Minister
Our Folks...
     Best wishes to Jean Knowlton, who is recovering at Bell Trace from a small stroke. She would love to receive cards sent to her home address, or phone calls from friends at 812-961-5138.
MidAmerica UU Messenger Shares Updates
Lots of helpful and interesting work is happening at the regional level in UU-Land. Click here to find out about work on being welcoming to trans people, building safe congregations, registration for Regional Assembly in St. Louis in April, and current class offerings from the UU Leadership Institute.
To sign up to receive the MidAmerica newsletter, click here
  Building Community 
Women's Alliance Meets February 7 at 11:00 am
with a Visit from Bloomington Playwrights Project
Brad Schiesser, Managing Director of Bloomington Playwrights Project (BPP),  will present the  Women's Alliance program from 12:00 - 12:30 on Thursday, February 7.  He will speak about what goes on behind the scenes in running an  ambitious, creative organization like the BPP.  We gather at 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall for conversation and a brown
bag lunch.  The presentation begins at noon, followed by a brief business  meeting.  The hostesses for the month, Dian Robbins and Judy Witt, will  provide drinks and dessert.  Everyone, including women, men, and gender  non-binary persons, is welcome.
Game Night and Pitch-in this Saturday, February 9 at 4:00 pm
For Families with Young Children
Join us this Saturday, February 9th, from 4 - 6 pm in Fellowship Hall to play games and enjoy a pitch-in meal together.  If you are able, please bring a game and food to share.  Contact Sarah   with any questions.

We need your help welcoming newcomers on February 10!
Our Connections Coordinator, Ann LeDuc, is out of the office through February 12.  In her absence, we need everyone's help in being especially welcoming to newcomers this coming Sunday, February 10.  If you see someone who is new to you, please introduce yourself! If you see someone who looks like they are seeking information, please pitch in and show them around. The Social Justice table in the commons and the Welcome table are good places to start. Thank you for your help! 

Get Ready! The Spring Getting Involved Fair is Coming Up!
February 17, 24, and March 3
Twice a year we organize a "Getting Involved Fair" to help you learn about all the groups and activities of the church, and get involved in the groups that interest you. The fair is held over three consecutive Sundays, during Coffee Hour, in the Fellowship Hall. A different set of groups will be represented each Sunday. I hope you will join us!  Chairpersons and Activity Leaders -- Click here to sign up  to represent your group at the Getting Involved Fair. 
--Ann LeDuc

Want to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, this church, and opportunities for involvement here?
Sign up for the free Exploring Unitarian Universalism class to be held on March 3 and 10, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, in the church library. Plan to attend both dates, since different material will be covered in each session. Members of our congregation, Jana Pereau and Stuart Yoak, will guide us on our journey. We ask for completion of this class before becoming a member of the church. Everyone, ages 14 to 100+, is welcome!  To sign up, or for more information, email Ann LeDuc.

Unitarian Universalism History Class on March 17
Unitarian Universalism is an ever evolving spiritual practice advanced by courageous and thoughtful women and men. Our history begins in Europe over 500 years ago and can be traced through the questions and challenges that faced our forebearers. Their legacy inspires us today and we draw strength from their progress as we confront the uncertainties of our own time. Please join us for a romp through history as we meet these leaders and discuss the questions and challenges they faced in bringing us to where we are today. Everyone is welcome.
Details: March 17, 2019, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, in the church library.  Instructor: Stuart D. Yoak, UUCB Member.  Email to register. 
Upcoming Children's Choir Schedule
Sunday, March 3: Rehearse 10:30 - 11:00 am, Rm 110
(Sunday, March 10: No rehearsal)
Sunday, March 17: Rehearse 10:40 - 11:00 am, Rm 110
Wednesday, March 20: Sing at Spring Equinox Celebration Service - Rehearse 5:55 pm, Service 6:15 - 7:00 pm
Children's Choir Director Jill Courtney will send out a reminder again prior to March 3. It's always helpful to know if your children are coming - let them know they can invite friends to join too! Contact Jill here.
Meet Me in St. Louis!
The MidAmerica UU Regional annual conference is in St. Louis, 
April 5-7.  We will be carpooling.  Several members have expressed interest in attending.  Early bird registration end February 28th. Rev. Macklin and Frank Diaz will be leading a workshop at the conference.  Click here for info:  https://www.uua.org/midamerica. If you are interested in being a delegate and joining us in St. Louis, please contact Iris Kiesling or  Rev. Scott McNeill as soon as possible.
UU Birders Email List
Did you miss the Birds of a Feather Common Interest table for Birders? If so, and you would like to be added to the UU Birders email list, email Ann LeDuc and she will add you. Happy Birding!
Welcome New Members!
On Sunday, January 27, we welcomed six new members into our congregation. Please give a warm welcome to our newest members -- Hannah Kelling, Al Kosinski, Kelly Sage, Elizabeth Venstra, and Brian and Susan Yeley.  Below are short bios to help you get to know them.  --Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator

Hannah Kelling is a second-year Master's student at Indiana University pursuing a degree in Recreation Administration. Having joined both the UU choir and the Voces Novae choir in Fall 2018, Hannah quickly found a sense of community with this church and is glad to be joining the family. An avid Ultimate Frisbee player, kayaker, trail runner, and road cyclist, Hannah is energized by the opportunity to teach and serve others in the context of outdoor adventure (and has trouble sitting still). 


Al Kosinski is living in Bloomington again for the 3rd time, since attending IU in the 70's! He also has a college degree from that other great institution of higher learning in West Lafayette, IN. He is, thankfully, retired after 42 years of work in public school teaching. He has enjoyed participating in UU Church Bloomington activities and programs for the past 10 years. Currently Al is a participant in the Wellspring Spiritual Practice Circle and he is teaching grades K-2 in our Religious Education program. Enjoyment activities include: Tennis, golf and tai chi. 


Kelly Sage and her family moved to Bloomington twelve years ago. They have attended UU services, off and on, ever since. Kelly is the Young Women's Program Coordinator for Women Writing for (a) Change, a writer, and a teacher. She loves being outside, spending time with her family, and the quiet hour in the sanctuary every Sunday brings.



Elizabeth Venstra has been hanging around the congregation with her husband Nick and son Clayton, vaguely intending to join, for the past several years, and is glad to be finally making it official. She grew up first in Columbus, Indiana, and then in southern California, wandered back to IU for grad school, and never left. Elizabeth is a technical writer with University Information Technology Services, and enjoys folk dancing.


Susan Yeley grew up not too far from Bloomington, in Morgantown, Indiana, went to IU for undergraduate school, and returned nearly 14 years ago. In the interim, she and her husband Brian lived in Chicago, where she got graduate degrees from both the Divinity School at the University of Chicago and Harrington Institute of Interior Design She now runs Susan Yeley Interiors, employing four women and specializing in full service residential remodels, additions and new builds. For years, Susan has served on the Bloomington Montessori school board, where her three children have thrived: Anna (13), Simon (11), and Liza (8). Susan grew up in a family steeped in the United Methodist tradition, and enjoys browsing and wandering, reading, yoga and people. 


Brian Yeley was born in Bloomington but grew up in Columbus, Indiana. He received his business and law degrees from IU and met his wife, Susan, at Nick's during his 3rd year of law school (shhhhh). After law school, Brian was a sports agent and tax and estate planning attorney in Chicago before returning home to Bloomington 14 years ago where he leads the staff of planned giving attorneys at the IU Foundation. Liverpool football club (soccer), the Chicago Bears, hiking in the Smoky Mountains and strong coffee are at the top of the list when he is not enjoying time with Susan, Anna, Simon, Liza and friends.
Books by UUs
Faithlore
a quest to find what is real in what we believe
    I much enjoyed reading John Crosby's Faithlore: The Invented Reality (2018 Resource Publications). It is a short paperback of 82 pages. Crosby is a member of our congregation and has been a Presbyterian minister, a professor of philosophy, and marriage counselor. In his latest book, he discusses the challenge of looking for the reality in the culture that binds us. He discusses how theologians study the Bible and how they handle comparative religion. In the 8 or so years he was a pastor, he realized that the more he read and studied (and prayed), the less confident he was that what he was preaching had anything to do with reality. He looked at the books (70 of them) on the quest for the historical Jesus and found them contradictory. He concluded that each of us constructs the religion or lore that we take as real, in order to live with a sense of belonging and a set of values to guide us. He believes that it is not necessary to believe the Bible is a history of the people described in it and that many translations and versions of the Bible make it difficult to know what historical event (if it actually occurred) caused an episode to become part of the canon of belief of the many monotheistic religions and their sects.  --Elof Carlson       
  Changing the World 
Volunteers Needed to Help 
at Interfaith Winter Shelters February 9
Our congregation helps at the shelters on the second Saturday of each month, November through March. We need two volunteers for set up on Saturdays, 8-10:30 PM. For clean up on Sunday mornings, 6-7:30 AM, we will need two couples to clean up at the Center for Women and Children and four people for the Men's shelter. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Contact Marlin Howard, 812-320-5460, if you can help.
Side With Love!!!
Valentine's Bake Sale coming up on Feb 10
The annual Valentine's Bake Sale by the Reproductive Justice Task Force is this coming Sunday, February 10th. We will be in the Commons and Fellowship Hall between services and at 12:15. Treat yourself while picking up a gift for another! Help support the work of our task force in these difficult times.
 *** Donations of goodies can be left in the kitchen if properly labeled on Friday 2/8 or on Sunday (please bring them early or by 10 a.m., ready to serve). And Thank You!
MEGA FOOD DRIVE February 17
for Monroe County United Ministries 
Let's knock their socks off with our amazing generosity! Remember our hungry neighbors on Sunday, February 17. Our Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force is hosting our semiannual food drive for Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM). Please bring nonperishable food items to church on February 17. Personal care products, disposable diapers, and household cleaning supplies are also welcome. We'll also need help after second service to load the food into vehicles to take it to MCUM.
Items especially needed, from the MCUM newsletter: 
* Baking mixes (Jiffy, Bisquick,  etc.)
* Pasta   * Pasta sauce
 * Ramen   
* Condensed soups
* Cereal (sm/med boxes)
* Laundry soap   * Dish soap
* All-purpose cleaners
* Sponges   * Size 5-6 diapers
Thanks for helping feed our hungry neighbors!
Third Sunday Social Justice Film Series Feb. 17
"Happier Birth Days" Film Screening and Maternal Mortality Community Conversation
UU Church of Bloomington Fellowship Hall and Meeting Rm
Sunday Feb 17th at 5:00 p.m.  Pizza & child care provided.*                
Co-sponsored by our Reproductive and Racial Justice Task Forces and Advocate For Moms.  Join us for a screening of "Happier Birth Days Part 2 - A Panel Discussion of the Postpartum Period" featuring Indiana experts.  An interactive group discussion will follow the program so we can:
  • build awareness of issues surrounding maternal mortality in Indiana, particularly for black mothers, and
  • brainstorm actionable strategies so we can listen to, support and advocate for moms.
*Pizza (free will offering). 
Free childcare is available if requested by Feb. 7th @ this link
International Outreach Task Force Plans
To find out more about the work of our International Outreach Task Force, click here:
https://fundforeastafrica.wordpress.com/

Community Connections: Our Faith in Action

Reverend Marvin Chandler: Open to the Moment
On Sunday, February 3, several members of our congregation viewed the documentary,
"Reverend Marvin Chandler:  Open to the Moment"  at the Buskirk Chumley.
The presentation was in honor of Black History Month. This moving film is the work of UU Alan Backler and others over the last few years.  Most of the film is local. WTIU will be showing it on Feb 14, @ 8 pm; on Feb. 17  @ 7pm, and on Feb. 22 @1 pm and it's highly recommended. The film runs about an hour. 
--Iris Kiesling and Peter Dorfman
Interfaith MLK Day Blessing Bags Project - Thank you!
Your generous donations provided many materials and your pledges provided staff time for organizing and coordinating our Interfaith MLK Day Blessing Bags project with members of six other congregations on Monday, January 21. It was wonderful to see many of you there! 120 people participated. We created 140 blueberry muffins and 161 brown bag lunches for Wheeler Mission and put together 180 blessing bags of useful items for distribution to people experiencing homelessness in our community. The blessing bags that weren't taken for personal distribution were given to Shalom Center and to the Bloomington Police Department. Police officers will keep bags in their cruisers for distribution as they encounter people in need. It felt good to do this work together! 
 --Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
  Seeking the Spirit  
Religious Education for Adults
Shambhala Meditation Meets Mondays at 12 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 to participate in this 2500-year-old tradition.  For more info: contact Sarah at  sflint.ktv (at) gmail.com
Traditional Taiji on Tuesdays at 7:15 pm 
Brian Flaherty leads "Wu (Hao)" style Taiji in Fellowship Hall on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. Anyone is welcome, even those with no previous Taiji experience. Please wear loose-fitting clothing. For more i nfo: contact Brian
Open Mind Zen Meets Thursdays at 7:00 pm, 
Starting February 14
Join Frank Seisho Diaz for meditation, talks, and discussions on Zen Buddhism, Thursdays 7:00-8:30 pm, in Room 112 here at the church. All are welcome regardless of faith or experience. This group will not meet on Monday, February 11.
More info: here or at    openmindzenbloomington.org  
Humanist Forum Meets This Sunday,  12:45 pm
On Sunday, February 10th, at 12:45 pm, the UU Humanist Forum will meet in Room 208, after children's Religious Education classes end. The discussion topic will be "What We Don't Know Will Hurt Us," led by Judy Berkshire.  The Humanist Forum meets every other Sunday, with a different  discussion topic .
UU Freethinkers Meet  February 17, 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. UU Freethinkers meet on every other Sunday in Room 208 at 12:45 pm, after children's Religious Education classes end.
A Note about 
the Choir Commissioning Project
     This month's choral benediction, "Earth, Courage, Calm Abiding," was composed by Sarah Flint in memory of choir member Cherry Merritt-Darriau, who was a beloved yoga and meditation teacher. Feel free to sing along with choir! Cherry would have wanted you to.   
     The next choir commemorative commission, a setting of a text by Misty Copeland (the first African-American prima ballerina) by Keaton Springfield, in memory of Herb Kiesling, will be premiered on March 31.  
     And don't miss the reprise of Lauren Bernofsky's "Hope Is a Thing With Feathers," in memory of Sandy Taylor, in May.  --The Reverend Dr. Susan Swaney, Music Director
New Carpet in Meeting Room and  North Hallway
Thanks to a grant from Special Purposes Funds, the 20-year old Meeting Room and back hallway carpeting was replaced in late January. The new carpet tiles are the same style (pattern) as the upstairs library, offices and hallway carpet, in browns and grays selected to complement the carpeted steps and ramp to the Meeting Room platform and the room's wooden trim. The new carpet is stain resistant, so spills can (and should) be easily cleaned with water. Because the tiles were installed with a pressure-sensitive adhesive which remains tacky, any damaged tiles can be easily removed and replaced with some of the extra stock we purchased. The tiles have a non-PVC backing that be recycled into new backing forever, the first "cradle to grave" backing in the industry. The backing also prevents the carpet edges from unraveling.
--Molly O'Donnell, co-chair, Building and Grounds
Here is a collection of before and after photos (thanks to Mandy Skinner for this! --ed.)
UU History for You
BEACON PRESS and the UUA
    In 1825 the American Unitarian Association was founded in Boston to provide Unitarian churches with a central office to promote the liberal church movement. It served as a repository for sermons and writings published in magazines and newspapers that promoted liberal religion, theological arguments, and issues of justice, changing society, and changing beliefs. By 1854, it began publishing materials for new Unitarian churches and called this in-house printing effort the "Press of the American Unitarian Association." One of its first books was a six-volume set of the sermons of William Ellery Channing. In those days, sermons were a major source of social reform, and inspired movements for abolition of s
lavery, child labor laws, rights to unionize, suffrage for women , and the regulation of the sale of alcoholic beverages. 
     In 1902, the Press of the AUA began publishing trade books on issues that were more difficult to publish with most trade publishers. They devised a logo using a beacon that was a symbol since 1634 of a bucket of tar that would be hoisted on the to p of Beacon Hill in Boston in case of an invasion. In 1918, it changed its name to Beacon Press. 
     The most famous publication of Beacon Press was The Pentagon Papers, a set of documents that showed how the Vietnam War was escalated into American involvement primarily for political and profiteering motivation. It played a major role in changing public opinion on US involvement.
     Beacon Press continues to publish both religious books and books on issues of concern to Unitarian Universalists and others.       --Elof Carlson, UUCB Historian
Buy Grocery Cards on Sunday and Support the Church
We have grocery gift cards for sale in the Commons every Sunday between services. The participating grocery stores send a percentage of your purchases back to the church to support our operating budget. We have gift cards for Bloomingfoods, Lucky's, and Fresh Thyme, and you can register your Kroger Plus card by clicking here. Our new Kroger organization ID number is  EW763. 

Snow and Ice Awareness and 
Event Cancellations at Church
     In the winter months, 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. If church services or other events in our building are canceled, this information will also be broadcast on radio at FM 103.7 and on WTIU television. You should also check with the leader of your group or committee, if you  have a smaller meeting scheduled.
     Best bet is to stay home if road conditions deteriorate. 
--Carol Marks, Church Administrator   
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.
Email: macklin (at) uubloomington.org

Reverend Macklin will be away on sabbatical Jan 28-Feb 28. *


 
Reverend Scott McNeill, our Associate Minister,  
can be reached at 812-332-3695 (ext. 209) and is available by appointment on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. 
For pastoral emergencies, please call Scott at 812-727-0919.

 


Reverend Emily Manvel Leite our Minister of Religious Education,  can be reached at  812-332 -3695 (ext. 207)  on Wednesday and Friday mornings. 
Email: mre (at) uubloomington.org

* Reverend Leite will be away February 19-23. *

 


Our Covenant of Right Relations
In June 2017, our members affirmed a Covenant of Right Relations. 
Pertinent Details:
Office hours : M-F, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Calendar: A link to our full church calendar of events can be found on this page of our website: www.uubloomington.org/home/calendar  
Facebook: Many church events are also posted on our  Facebook page
Prologue  Publication Schedule:  
The deadline for articles is 10 a.m. on the date of publication, which is 
the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. 
Send articles about church matters to Carol Marks   
Upcoming  issues:  February 19, March 4, March 18, April 2, April 16.
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. If you have a problem viewing or hearing the service, please email Andy Beargie and Ned Joyner .

Links to Archived Videos of Services to View Online
Each Friday, we'll post the direct URL link for the previous Sunday's archived video of the service at the end of the Friday UU Update, as well as posting the links on the Livestream page of our website. Video of recent services is also found on  Facebook.
Click here to view the most recent services:    January 20   January 27   February 3
Membership: 533 certified members; 540 current members.
Attendance: 
Sunday, January 20            9:15 - 40     11:15 - 87     TOTAL:  127     RE:  41  
Sunday, January 27            9:15 - 94     11:15 - 141   TOTAL:  235     RE:  64 
Sunday, February 3            9:15 - 101   11:15 - 183    TOTAL:  284     RE:  69

Non-Pledge Offering:    January 20 : $260     January 27: $361      February 3: $601 
   Total to be donated (25%) to Spencer Pride: $305.69 
Grocery Card Sales:   (Bloomingfoods, Lucky's Market, or Fresh Thyme)  
January 20: $200 , income to UUCB: $10.00  / January 27 : $0, income to UUCB: $0  / February 3: $1,025, income to UUCB: $51.75   
D uring the last quarter (October thru December) we received $494.85 from Kroger, with 118 households participating.
Masthead photo by Linda Mjolsnes (cropped)
Harry Potter fans confer about the world they live in, at the youth-led service on 
January 27, 2019.
How to Subscribe: 
If you are not already regularly receiving emails like this from us, you can subscribe by sending an email to office (at) uubloomington.org.
Unitarian Universalist Church