The Prologue                                         Wednesday, July 5, 2017
  Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana
   Congregation founded 1949
   LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation since 1995
   Green Sanctuary since 2007
Building Community, Changing the World, Seeking the Spirit

Why is the Prologue on Wednesday this Time? 
It's an Experiment!
To help better accommodate staff and minister schedules, we are trying something new this summer with The Prologue. During June, July, and August, we will publish on the first and third TUESDAYS of each month, instead of on Monday. The only exception is Wednesday, July 5, since July 4 is the first Tuesday of July, and the office was closed for Independence Day.
Sunday, July 9, 2017  
ONE SERVICE ONLY AT 10:15 A.M.
The bell and Anam Cara
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
   As Unitarian Universalists we draw from the words and deeds of women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion and the transforming power of love.  This Sunday we will go for a wild spiritual ride with American author, feminist and social activist, bell hooks and Irish author and then-priest, John O'Donohue   "When we drop fear, we can draw nearer to people, we can draw nearer to the earth, we can draw nearer to all the heavenly creatures that surround us."
   Anam Cara is the old gaelic term for "soul friend." Anam Ċara is the title of a 1997 bestseller on "Celtic spirituality", the first publication by John O'Donohue.

Read this article below says Reverend Solar!



Sprint for Solar!
  In our service on July 2, we kicked off a "sprinter" fundraising event to add 54 solar panels to the RE roof!
 
By offsetting almost 100% of our electricity usage, this 16.2KW solar array will get us closer to meeting our Paris Pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. We are doing this now because the state legislature passed SEA 309, which reduces the financial viability of rooftop solar systems installed or added to after December 2017.  
 
The Special Purposes Fund is matching donations with a grant to the Green Sanctuary Task Force.  For a donation of $480 dollars (or more!) you can name a panel -preferably for something you look up to see: planets--real or fictional, stars, trees, birds. Look on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall to see the names of panels being filled in, about half so far!, and learn more about our Paris Pledge progress and the sprinter campaign. 
 
We'll be taking pledges throughout July, and the panels will be ordered in August. Should we meet the SPF match which we hope to do, any additional funds will go back into SPF for future energy upgrades.
 
You can bring or mail a check to the church, or make your donation -and name your panel- online by selecting the DONATE button, Purchase, and Sprinter Donation: Solar Panels July 2017.
 
Can't afford to donate a whole panel but want to take part? Any amount will help! Bring or send what you are comfortable donating, and enter "The Big Dipper" as your panel name! Religious Education Teachers and Families are encouraged to bring or send donations (big or small) this Sunday towards a solar panel for the new solar array.  We will name our panel, Pegasus in honor of the constellation named after the Greek myth as we believe children need to look at the stars and believe in the power of good to overcome evil.  
 
We've put a slide presentation on the Green Sanctuary Task Force website that goes into more detail about our energy savings to date and why we need to do this before the end of 2017.    Again see website above.
 
Several Green Sanctuary Task Force members will be in Fellowship Hall after services in July to answer questions and to add your panel's name to the board.  
MAM's Musings 
   We, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, had a wonderful turnout for the 4th of July parade.  We embodied a narrative of Love, Strength and Hope. Thanks to:  all the participants, all who marched, pedaled and others who lined the route, all who made signs, all who per-cussed and sang.  Special thanks to Connections Coordinator Ann LeDuc---the woman behind the parade organizing.   As for the golf cart---thanks to Naomi Lawless for loaning it, thanks  to Phil Cooper for moving it and thanks to Gladys DeVane for driving it!!  She put the pedal to the metal.   Kudos to Colleen Haas for teaching our percussion section and to LindaGrace Frost for leading us with love.   We wish LindaGrace all the best as she moves back to California this week!  We send her off with love.
 

                  
You gotta put one foot in front of the other and lead with love
Put one foot in front of the other and lead with love! (x2)

Don't give up hope (don't give up
hope)
You're not alone (you're not alone)
Don't you give up (don't you give up)
Keep movin' on (keep movin' on)

Lift up your eyes (lift up your eyes)
Don't you despair (don't you 
despair)
Look up ahead (look up ahead)
The
 path is there (the path is there)

I know you're scared (I know you're scared)
    And I'm scared too (and I'm scared too)
But here I am (but here I am)
Right next to you (right next to you)

We gotta put one foot in front of the other and lead with love
Put one foot in front of the other and lead with love! (x2)






   I, along with the Green Sanctuary Task Force, offer deep gratitude to the powerful response from many of you last Sunday to our invitation to keep alive our Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington ongoing story of solar panels and environmental justice.  Please see article above!  "Well, we all shine on!!"
 
   Next Saturday, July 8th, will be the Second Annual "Meditation-Stress Release Day" at the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center in Bloomington.  11am to 6pm.  I will be participating in the "Interfaith Prayers for the World Peace and Harmony Reflections" at 4pm.  There will be Yoga, Meditation and food at carious times throughout the day.  See this link for exact times.
 
Lead with Love, 
MAM
From Your Board of Directors
 
The start of a new fiscal year always brings change and excitement to UUCB!
     We're off and sprinting!! For those of you missed Sunday's service, we're raising funds, under a short deadline, to add solar panels to our church this month so that we will fully reap the benefits that recent changes to Indiana law will cause us to lose. For more information - and the opportunity to name a panel - see the "Paris Pledge Solar Panels Sprinter Event July 2017" on the Green Sanctuary Task Force's web page: http://www.uubloomington.org/social-justice/green-sanctuary/.
     Our pledge campaign has come in at nearly $590,000. We based our budget on $600,000 of pledges, but we expect some of the outstanding pledges will make up this difference. As always, the Board will keep an eye on the finances throughout the year. While this doesn't let us fully hit our goals for compensation for the Ministers and Staff, it's a solid step towards doing so.
     It's exciting to welcome our new Board members: Michelle Monroe-Cook, Steven Gilbert, Sandy Churchill, and Sharon Wiseman. Additionally, we welcome Hans Kelson as a Youth Liaison this year. UUCB has had youth Liaisons in the past and the Leadership Cultivation Committee suggested restarting this role, recommending Hans as a recent graduate of the Midwest Leadership School. As with all the Board members, you'll be able to identify these new members by the light blue tags on their name tags.
     The Board has started considering how to form Committee of Right Relations associated with our Right Relations Covenant as voted in at the June congregational meeting. We thank those of you who have volunteered for this important role. We are considering what attributes will be best and how we'll capture the diverse perspectives of our congregation.
     Finally, what a wonderful turnout for the 4th of July parade! Thanks to all the organizers.
  Building Community   
Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community July 13
   You are invited to a viewing of a new documentary, "And Justice for All: Indiana's Federal Courts"  on Thursday, July 13 at 7:00 PM in the auditorium of the Monroe County Public Library, in Bloomington. The video focuses on the history of the US District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and features several  folks from UUCB,  including a segment starring Jeff Stone.
     We encourage you to bring friends and family along for the viewing. Light refreshments will be served. Thank you.  -- Alan Backler

One Summer Service Each Sunday 
at 10:15 a.m.  June 18 through July 30
     We will hold one service only each Sunday this summer, starting June 18 and continuing through July 30. Religious Education will take place as usual during the service (except on June 18, which is an intergenerational service.) Regular services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. will resume August 6. 
Make it official, become a member of this church!
No matter if you have been attending services here for one month or 20 years, make your commitment to this community official by becoming a member. The next opportunity to become a member of UU Bloomington is Sunday, July 30 at 11:35 a.m. in the library. We ask for participation in the Exploring Unitarian Universalism class prior to signing the membership book. To make arrangements to become a member, for questions, or to register for an Exploring UU class, please contact Ann LeDuc , Connections Coordinator, at (812)332-3695 or  connect@uubloomington.org .
Please Don't Park on the Grass
Please don't park in grassy areas on the church property or on the grass 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 note we are not allowed to park over there at all if there is a baseball game or softball game in progress. Thanks, Carol Marks, Ch.Admin. 
Women's Alliance Meets July 6
     The Women's Alliance meets the first  Thursday  of each month at  11:30 a.m.  in Fellowship Hall.  The meeting begins with a brown bag lunch.  Drinks  and dessert are provided by the hosts of the month.  The program begins at  noon , followed by a business meeting.  Please enter through the courtyard  doors.
     The  July 6th  program is "Opportunity House" with Sandy Churchill.  The  hosts will be Anna Wiley and Sharon Wiseman.  All are welcome.
Exploring Unitarian Universalism Class - July 9 and 16
Are you interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism and this congregation?  Are you considering becoming a member of this church? Whether you are considering membership or are just curious, this class is for you. The Exploring UU Class will be held on  July 9 and 16  from  2-4 p.m.  in the church library. Please plan to attend both  Sunday  sessions, since different material will be covered in each session.  Register before  July 3  by signing up at the Welcome Table in the foyer, or emailing Ann LeDuc at  connect@uubloomington.org . Free childcare is available if requested in advance.  Steve and Kathy Gilbert will facilitate this fun and informative class.  
Calling all library books!
If you have books checked out before April 2017, it's time to return them. 

If you're not sure whether the book is from our library, open the back cover and look for our stamp and a card pocket.  We thank you.                    
The Library Committee
Fight Alzheimer's Disease!
Has Alzheimer's Disease affected someone you care about? Would you like to raise awareness and funds for dementia care, support, and research? Maybe you would just like to show support for others in our church community who have been affected by Alzheimer's. Join us or support our team in the Bloomington Walk to End Alzheimer's by visiting this web page:   http://act.alz.org/goto/UUCBcares. The walk is  Sunday, September 24. Registration starts at  noon.  
Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator 
Course Proposals Invited for
Adult Religious Education Fall 2017
(Due August 10)
Are you a spiritual seeker, an avid reader, a poet, a parent, an activist? Do you have an interest you would like to share and explore with other Unitarian Universalists? We encourage you to submit a course proposal to our Adult Religious Education (ARE) Program for the fall semester (September through December 2015). Deadline is July 30, and the committee will make final choice of courses to be offered by September 1. Class sessions may begin as early as mid-September. Contact Dan and Sharon Wiseman, dansharonw@gmail.com, or the office office@uubloomington.org   for a course proposal form. Forms are also available here http://www.uubloomington.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2016-08-15-Adult-Religious-Education-proposal-form1.pdf.
Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education Offerings This Fall for Elementary Grades
This fall, we will be offering a six week session for our 1st and 2nd graders and an eight week session for our 4th and 5th graders.  Parents should have received an invitation in the mail.  We would like to have all responses by  July 31st, spaces are limited.  Contact Adrienne Summerlot  dre@uubloomington.org to RSVP or for more information.
Lost and Found Alert 
Missing a jacket, water bottle, scarf, umbrella, shirt, sweater, hat or gloves? Please check out the very nice collection of lost and found items on the courtyard coatrack and retrieve your items. We'll be giving whatever's left to charity soon. 
--Carol Marks, Ch.Admin. 
  Changing the World 
Children's Clothing Donations for Kenya No Longer Needed
IOTF no longer needs children's clothing for Kenya for this year's trip; donations exceeded capacity already!  Many thanks to those who donated.  Your gifts are much appreciated, your generosity exemplary!  
~Claire Robertson
From Our "Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force"
Support the Walnut Grove Food Pantry by attending their dine and donate at Get Some Pizza on August 9th from 5:00pm - 9:00pm! Fifty percent of your bill will be donated to the Walnut grove Food Pantry when you show the event flyer. The flyer can be found by clicking here. 

Our Grounds Help to Lower
Our Carbon Footprint
 
 Since last fall we have planted 13 trees on the church grounds to help "sink" carbon, and mulched several areas to reduce the amount of grass to be mowed. We have also engaged our children by planting and nurturing (and harvesting) vegetables.
Could you volunteer to help water trees and vegetables a couple of times this summer? A review of what is needed and weeks available to sign up is at: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0545A4A62FA2F49-uucb1
If you can help, Molly O'Donnell will hold a couple of "how to" sessions to explain the irrigation systems we have set up for the trees. We have also set hoses near the vegetable garden and for the tree near the Meeting Room and on the northwest corner of our lot. mollysod@gmail.com or 812-345-7399.

Macaroni and Coffee for Shalom Center!
    For the last 3 years, our congregation members and friends have provided macaroni for the meal program at Shalom Community Center. Please remember to pick up a package the next time you go to the store.  Coffee request:    Shalom now needs coffee. For some reason coffee donations are down considerably.   So donations of coffee (in addition to macaroni if you can) for the Shalom Center would be very welcome!  Collection basket for donations is under the Social Justice table in the Commons. 
From our 25% Plate Recipient "All Options Pregnancy Resource Center":

Thursday, 7/6, 7-11pm: Lady Parts Justice League's Vagical Mystery Tour

Do you like smart, feminist comedy for a good cause? We thought so! Join us and rad performers, like Lizz Winstead, co-creator of The Daily Show, and Maysoon Zayid of The Muslims Are Coming, for the Indy stop of the Lady Parts Justice League's Vagical Mystery Tour. It's going to be epic! Get your tickets here!

 

Thursday, 7/13, 6:30-8pm: Repro Justice Action Hour at All-Options PR

Our friends from Middle Way House will be joining us as we chat about the intersections of domestic violence and reproductive justice. We'll also be sorting diapers for our Hoosier Diaper Program. RJ Action Hour is open to all - your friends and kids are welcome - RSVP here

Bloomington's First Gerrymander Meander July 16 at 2:00 p.m.
If you believe that fair representation and voter participation are important to our community, then join the Women's League of Voters for Bloomington's first "Gerrymander Meander" on  Sunday, July 16 at 2:00 pm . The issue of gerrymandering is receiving quite a bit of attention now that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear the Wisconsin case.  Many groups in Indiana, including the League of Women Voters (LWV), a nonpartisan group, are supporting efforts to reform Redistricting in Indiana. The meander will begin at Childs Elementary School at 2211 S. High Street, Bloomington. The 1.8-mile walk follows the gerrymandered intersection of state house districts 60, 61, and 62.  At the end of the walk there will be information on redistricting reform efforts and brief remarks, along with cake and bottled water.  Please join us for this family-friendly event!  Note, in case of rain, the meander will be held on  July 23 at 2:00 pm .
  Seeking the Spirit  

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, July 3 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 donations 
  accepted.  More  info:  openmindzenbloomington@gmail.com  or  
 
Tax Exemption and American Churches
The UUCB Freethinkers discussed tax exemption and American churches. I volunteered to look up some of its history. The first church to receive tax exemption was in Ancient Rome when King Constantine, after converting, exempted Christian churches from Roman taxation. In 1601, Great Britain exempted charitable institutions and churches from taxation. At the time just before the American Revolution 9 of the 13 colonies used the 1601 law for exempting churches from taxation. Presidents Madison, Garfield, and Grant opposed this exemption as a burden on taxpayers. In 1894 Congress made charitable, educational, and religious organizations (also called non-profit organizations) exempt from federal taxation. This was reinstated in 1913 after the 1894 law lapsed. In 1954 Senator Lyndon Johnson got Congress to pass a law that prohibited religious, charitable, or educational institutions receiving tax exemptions from campaigning for, endorsing, or instructing members not to vote for a candidate. Those who favor keeping the tax exemption argue this helps maintain a separation of church and state because tax payers will demand a voice in legislation. Those who oppose tax exemption of churches argue it amounts to a state subsidy of religion. Complicating these two positions are issues of Constitutional equal application of laws - what would apply to churches would also have to apply to other nonprofit organizations (educational and charitable).
Elof Carlson,   designated historian

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, July 16 at 11:45 a.m. in Room 208. The topic will be "The Gilgamesh story" led by Sandy Dolby.   A complete list of spring/summer topics   can be found here. (From June 18 through July 30, the UU Humanists and Freethinkers will meet at 11:45 a.m., following the service, which begins at 10:15.) 
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, July 9, at 11:45 p.m. 
Community Notes:

The Bloomington SOUNDS OF INDIANA Barbershop Harmony Chorus  Sings for Volunteers in Medicine August 12
Enjoy a night of music Saturday, August 12 at 7:00pm at the First United Church. Tickets will be sold at the door for $15. For information, please see the event flyer by clicking here. 
Seeking Graduate Student
Friendly UU family of three seeks a graduate student (woman preferred) to rent a room for the 2017-2018 academic year. You'll have a large room with hardwood floor, storage and natural light, and shared common areas. We are on the east side with easy bus access to IU. Our home is pet, smoke and drug free. Asking $600, negotiable. Utilities and internet included. Contact Vic at 812-361-7370.    
Current Membership: 516
Attendance
Sunday, June 25         One service at  10:15:   196
Sunday, July 2            One service at  10:15:   223
Non-Pledge Offering
June 25: $520.88       July 2: $483.65          
Total to be donated to New Leaf-New Life $130.22
Total to be donated to All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center $120.91
Grocery Card Sales
(Bloomingfoods, Marsh, or Lucky's)
June 25: $1,050, income to UUCB $53.00    July 2: $650, income to UUCB $35.60
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 Andy Beargie at  media@uubloomington.org It is also helpful if you let Andy know which web browser you are using.
Orion Day 2016
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! 

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 Tuesday of June, July, and August. It's an experiment!
Next few issues: July 18, August 1 and 15.
Masthead photo by John Woodcock.
Unitarian Universalist Church